Matthew 14:1-13

1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus.

2“This is John the Baptist,” he told his servants. “He has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

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

4since John had been telling him, “It’s not lawful for you to have her.”

5Though Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd since they regarded John as a prophet.

6When Herod’s birthday celebration came, Herodias’s daughter danced before them and pleased Herod.

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

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

9Although the king regretted it, he commanded that it be granted because of his oaths and his guests.

10So he sent orders and had John beheaded in the prison.

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

12Then his disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus.

13When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns.