The Beheading of John

(Mark 6:14–29, Luke 9:7–9)

14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus 2 and 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.”

3 [Now] Herod had arrested John [and] bound him and put [him] in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been telling him “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although [Herod] wanted to kill [John], he was afraid of the people, because they regarded [John] as a prophet.

6 On Herod’s birthday however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

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

9 The king was grieved, but because of [his] oaths and his guests, he ordered that [her wish] be granted 10 and sent {to have} John beheaded in the prison.

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

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