Matthew 14:1-13 ▼

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus,

2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead; and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

3 For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.

4 For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.

7 Thereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

8 And having been prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

9 And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests.

10 And he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.

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

12 And his disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there in a boat, to a lonely place by Himself; and when the multitudes heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.