Herod, Herodias, and the Death of John the Baptist
Mark 6:14-29
14And King Herod heard, for his name had become clear, and they said that John the Baptist had arisen from the dead, and because of this the powers were active in him.15Others said that he is Elijah, and others said that he is a prophet like one of the prophets.16When Herod heard, he said, 'The one whom I beheaded, John, has arisen.'17For Herod himself had sent and seized John and bound him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her.18For John had said to Herod that it is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.19Herodias opposed him and wanted to kill him, but she was not able.20For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and he kept him safe; when he heard him he was greatly perplexed, yet he gladly listened to him.21An opportune day arrived when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles, the military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced and pleased Herod and his dinner guests, the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.'23He swore to her, 'Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.'24She went out and said to her mother, 'What shall I ask for?' Her mother replied, 'The head of John the Baptist.'25She immediately went in with haste to the king and requested, saying, 'I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.'26The king was deeply grieved because of his oaths and his guests, yet he did not want to refuse her.27At once the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went and beheaded him in the prison.28He brought the head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.