The Death of John the Baptist

Matthew 14

Matthew14:1 In that time, Herod the Tetrarch heard the news about Jesus.

Matthew14:2 And he said to his servants: “This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead, and that is why miracles are at work in him.”

Matthew14:3 For Herod had apprehended John, and bound him, and put him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother.

Matthew14:4 For John was telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Matthew14:5 And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

Matthew14:6 Then, on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced in their midst, and it pleased Herod.

Matthew14:7 And so he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask of him.

Matthew14:8 But, having been advised by her mother, she said, “Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.”

Matthew14:9 And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who sat at table with him, he ordered it to be given.

Matthew14:10 And he sent and beheaded John in prison.

Matthew14:11 And his head was brought on a platter, and it was given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

Matthew14:12 And his disciples approached and took the body, and they buried it. And arriving, they reported it to Jesus.