3
For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
4
For John said unto him, "It is not lawful for thee to have her."
5
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod,
7
whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
8
And she, being beforehand instructed by her mother, said, "Give me here John the Baptist's head on a charger."
9
And the king was sorry; nevertheless for the oath's sake, and those who sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
10
And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
11
And his head was brought on a charger and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother.
12
And his disciples came, and took up the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
13
When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by boat into a desert place apart. And when the people had heard thereof, they followed Him on foot out of the cities.