The Beheading of John

(Mark 6:14–29, Luke 9:7–9)

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,“vvv 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 

When Herod’s birthday was being celebrated,[fn] 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 vvv 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.

13