Gospel according to Matthew

For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod.

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask.

She, being prompted by her mother, said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer."

The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given,

and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother.

His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.