²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.^(A) When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled^[a]; yet he liked to listen to him.

²⁶ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”^(A)

⁵ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.^(A)

³⁵ John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(A) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

¹⁸ The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him,^(A) because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.^(B)

¹⁶ Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

¹⁷ Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else.^(A) Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

³² Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs^(A) with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.^(B)