The Beheading of John

(Matthew 14:1–12, Luke 9:7–9)

Now King Herod heard about this( for [Jesus’] name had become well known) and he said“John the Baptist has risen from [the] dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying,“He is Elijah,” and still others“He is a prophet, like[fn] one of the prophets [of old].”

16 

But when Herod heard this, he said,“This is John, whom I beheaded; he has risen from the dead!”[fn] 17 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound vvv [and] imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, [whom] [Herod] had married. 18 For John had been telling Herod,“vvv It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

19 

So Herodias held a grudge against [John] and wanted to kill him. But vvv she had been unable, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing [that] he [was] a righteous and holy man. When he heard [John’s words], he did much [of what he said];[fn] and he listened to him gladly.

21 

On [Herod’s] birthday, [her] opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading [men] of Galilee. 22 [When] the daughter of Herodias[fn] came and danced, she pleased Herod and vvv his guests, and the king said to the girl,“Ask me for whatever vvv you wish, and I will give [it] to you.” 23 And he swore[fn] to her“Whatever vvv you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

24 

Then she went out [and] asked her mother,“What should I request?”

And [her mother] answered,“The head of John the Baptist.”

25 

vvv At 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.”

26 

The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of [his] oaths and vvv his guests, vvv he did not want to refuse her. 27 So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went [and] beheaded him in the prison. 28 [The man] brought [John’s] head on a platter and presented it to the girl, [who] gave it to her mother.

29 

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

30