The death of John the Baptist

1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus

2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod

7so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted

10and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

11John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

12Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.

14Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

15Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

16But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”

17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.

18For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,

20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

21On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

22When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”

23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

24Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”

25At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

26The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her.

27So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.

28The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

29When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

7When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,

8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.

9“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.