The Death of John the Baptist

14 Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become known, and [fn]he said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these mighty powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, [fn]like one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “[fn]This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised [fn]from the dead.”

17 For Herod himself had sent men to arrest John and chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom Herod had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for yoʋ to have yoʋr brother's wife.” 19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she was not able to do so. 20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When Herod listened to John, he would listen to him gladly [fn]and do many things.

21 But an opportune day came. On his birthday Herod prepared a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee. 22 When [fn]the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. So the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever yoʋ wish, and I will give it to yoʋ.” 23 He [fn]swore to her, “Whatever yoʋ ask me, I will give to yoʋ, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately the girl came in with haste to the king and made her request, saying, “I want yoʋ to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 Although the king was very sad, because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to reject her. 27 So the king immediately sent an executioner and commanded that John's head be brought back. 28 The executioner then went and beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When John's disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.