Herod and the Death of John the Baptist

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Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

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Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

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But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”

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For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.

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For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”

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So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,

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because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

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On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

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When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”

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And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

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Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”

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At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

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The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her.

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So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.

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The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

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When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

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