Matthew 14:1-12

Common English Bible

Death of John the Baptist

14 At that time Herod the ruler^[a] heard the news about Jesus. ² He said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He’s been raised from the dead. This is why these miraculous powers are at work through him.” ³ Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip.

⁴ That’s because John told Herod, “It’s against the law for you to marry her.”

⁵ Although Herod wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they thought John was a prophet. ⁶ But at Herod’s birthday party Herodias’ daughter danced in front of the guests and thrilled Herod. ⁷ Then he swore to give her anything she asked.

⁸ At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a plate.” ⁹ Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests he commanded that they give it to her. ¹⁰ Then he had John beheaded in prison. ¹¹ They brought his head on a plate and gave it to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother. ¹² But John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.