Mark 6:14-29
Holman Christian Standard Bible
John the Baptist Beheaded
14 King(A) Herod(B) heard of this, because Jesus’ name(C) had become well known. Some[a] said, “John the Baptist(D) has been raised from the dead,(E) and that’s why supernatural powers(F) are at work(G) in him.” 15 But others said, “He’s Elijah.”(H) Still others said, “He’s a prophet[b]—like one of the prophets.”(I)
16 When Herod(J) heard of it, he said, “John,(K) the one I beheaded, has been raised!”(L) 17 For(M) Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain(N) him in prison on account of Herodias,(O) his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.(P) 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful(Q) for you to have your brother’s wife!”(R) 19 So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill(S) him. But she could not, 20 because Herod was in awe(T) of[c] John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous(U) and holy(V) man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed,[d](W) yet would hear him gladly.(X)
21 Now an opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet(Y) for his nobles,(Z) military commanders,(AA) and the leading men of Galilee.(AB) 22 When Herodias’s own daughter[e] came in and danced,(AC) she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 So he swore(AD) oaths(AE) to her: “Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”(AF)
24 Then she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”
“John the Baptist’s(AG) head!” she said.
25 Immediately she hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s(AH) head on a platter(AI)—right now!”
26 Though the king was deeply distressed,(AJ) because of his oaths(AK) and the guests[f] he did not want to refuse(AL) her. 27 The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples[g](AM) heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.(AN)
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Mark 6:14-29
Common English Bible
Death of John the Baptist
14 Herod the king heard about these things, because the name of Jesus had become well-known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and this is why miraculous powers are at work through him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “He is a prophet like one of the ancient prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard these rumors, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised to life.”
17 He said this because Herod himself had arranged to have John arrested and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. Herod had married her, 18 but John told Herod, “It’s against the law for you to marry your brother’s wife!” 19 So Herodias had it in for John. She wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t. 20 This was because Herod respected John. He regarded him as a righteous and holy person, so he protected him. John’s words greatly confused Herod, yet he enjoyed listening to him.
21 Finally, the time was right. It was on one of Herod’s birthdays, when he had prepared a feast for his high-ranking officials and military officers and Galilee’s leading residents. 22 Herod’s daughter Herodias[a] came in and danced, thrilling Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the young woman, “Ask me whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 Then he swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give to you, even as much as half of my kingdom.”
24 She left the banquet hall and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”
“John the Baptist’s head,” Herodias replied.
25 Hurrying back to the ruler, she made her request: “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a plate, right this minute.” 26 Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests, he didn’t want to refuse her. 27 So he ordered a guard to bring John’s head. The guard went to the prison, cut off John’s head, 28 brought his head on a plate, and gave it to the young woman, and she gave it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came and took his dead body and laid it in a tomb.
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- Mark 6:22 Or the daughter of Herodias herself; Gk uncertain
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