Matthew 14:3-11

The Death of John the Baptist

3 For y Herod had seized John and bound him and z put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 1 4 because John had been saying to him, a "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, b he feared the people, because they held him to be c a prophet. 6 But when Herod's d birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

  1. Cross References
    Luke 3:19 - 20
    But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 11:2
    Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples
    John 3:24
    (for John had not yet been put in prison).
  3. Cross References
    Leviticus 18:16
    You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness.
    Leviticus 20:21
    If a man takes his brother's wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 21:26
    But if we say, 'From man,' we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.
    Matthew 21:46
    And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 11:9
    What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
  6. Cross References
    Genesis 40:20
    On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he made a feast for all his servants and lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.