At that time Herod the tetrarch sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. For John said to Herod: 'It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.' Now Herodias laid snares for him, and desired to kill him, but could not; for she feared the people, because they held him as a prophet. Likewise also Herod, though desiring to kill him, feared him, knowing him to be a just and holy man; and he kept him safe. And having heard him, he did many things, and gladly heard him. And when an opportune day had come, Herod on his birthday made a supper for the princes and tribunes and chief men of Galilee.
And when the daughter of that same Herodias had come in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who reclined with him, the king said to the girl: 'Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee.' And he swore to her: 'Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, even to the half of my kingdom.' And when she had gone out, she said to her mother: 'What shall I ask?' But she said: 'The head of John the Baptist.' And when she had come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: 'I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish the head of John the Baptist.' And the king was made sorrowful on account of his oath and on account of those who reclined with him; yet he would not displease her, but sent an executioner, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a dish, and given to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.
And his disciples coming took up his body, and buried it in a tomb. And coming they told Jesus. Now Herod heard the fame of Jesus and all that was being done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead; and by some that Elijah had appeared; and by others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. And Herod said: 'John I have beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things?' And he sought to see Him. And when Jesus had heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat into a desert place apart. And when the crowds had heard of it, they followed Him on foot out of the cities.