¹ Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, ² Matthew 14:2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” ³ Matthew 14:3 For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. ⁴ Matthew 14:4 For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ Matthew 14:5 Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. ⁶ Matthew 14:6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, ⁷ Matthew 14:7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. ⁸ Matthew 14:8 Having been prompted by her mother, she *said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ⁹ Matthew 14:9 Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. ¹⁰ Matthew 14:10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison. ¹¹ Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. ¹² Matthew 14:12 His disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.