Matthew 14:1-13 ▼

1 At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus;

2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.”

3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

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

5 Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet.

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

7 so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask.

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

9 The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given;

10 he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.

11 The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother.

12 His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.