Matthew 14:1-12 - Herod Kills John The Baptist

¹ At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the news about Jesus. ² He told his servants: This is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. That explains the power working in him.

³ Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. ⁴ For John had said to him: It is not lawful for you to have her. ⁵ Herod wanted to put him to death but he feared the people since they believed John was a prophet.

⁶ It was Herod's birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced for him and pleased him. ⁷ So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. ⁸ Prompted by her mother, she said: Give me John the Baptist's head on a platter. ⁹ The king was grieved. He gave his oath and many were watching so he commanded that it be done. ¹⁰ He gave the order to behead John in prison. ¹¹ His head was brought on a platter to the young lady. She in turn gave it to her mother. ¹² John the Baptist's disciples took the corpse and buried him, and then came and told Jesus.

¹⁴ John the Baptist had become well known. King Herod heard that John had risen from the dead. Therefore he was doing these powerful works. ¹⁵ But others said: It is Elijah. And others said: It is a prophet, like one of the prophets.

¹⁶ Herod said: It is John whom I beheaded, raised from the dead. ¹⁷ For Herod captured John and locked him in prison for the sake of Herodias his wife. She was his brother Philip's wife before he married her. ¹⁸ John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. ¹⁹ Herodias had a grudge against John and was determined to have him killed. ²⁰ But Herod feared John. He knew he was a righteous and holy man so he kept him safe. That is why he listened to John but was perplexed.

²¹ It was Herod's birthday. He invited his lords, the military commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee to supper. ²² When the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, she pleased him so much he promised her anything she desired. ²³ He pledged to her, Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.

²⁴ She asked her mother, What should I ask? And the mother said: The head of John the Baptist.

²⁵ At once she went to the king and asked: Will you give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

²⁶ The king was very sorry. Even so he kept his promise to her. He did not turn her down. This also showed his dinner guests he was a man of his word. ²⁷ He immediately commanded his guard to behead John the Baptist and bring his head to him. ²⁸ He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young lady. In turn she gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When his disciples heard this they took his corpse and laid it in a tomb.