3
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
4
for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
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Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
6
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much
7
that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.
8
Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
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The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted
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and had John beheaded in the prison.
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His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
12
John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.