Matthew 14:1-12

1 About that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

2 and he said to his courtiers, "This is John the Baptist: he has come back to life--and that is why these miraculous Powers are working in him."

3 For Herod had arrested John, and had put him in chains, and imprisoned him, for the sake of Herodias his brother Philip's wife,

4 because John had persistently said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

5 And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet.

6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before all the company, and so pleased Herod

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

8 So she, instigated by her mother, said, "Give me here on a dish the head of John the Baptist."

9 The king was deeply vexed, yet because of his repeated oath and of the guests at his table he ordered it to be given her,

10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

11 The head was brought on a dish and given to the young girl, and she took it to her mother.

12 Then John's disciples went and removed the body and buried it, and came and informed Jesus.