RSV ~ Matthew 14 v1 - 12

Mt 14:1-12 | The Death of John the Baptist

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus;

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

3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Hero’di-as, his brother Philip’s wife;

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

5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Hero’di-as danced before the company, and pleased Herod,

7 so that he promised with an oath to give 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 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given;

10 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 the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.