John the Baptist Is Beheaded
John the Baptist Is Beheaded
Mark 6 and Matthew 14 tell how Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage and later orders John’s execution during a banquet.
John the Baptist Is Beheaded
John the Baptist tells Herod that his marriage to Herodias is unlawful.
Herod has John arrested and imprisoned. Mark portrays Herod as conflicted: he fears John, recognizes him as righteous and holy, and likes listening to him even though John’s words perplex him.
Herodias wants John killed but initially cannot accomplish it.
An opportunity comes at Herod’s birthday banquet, attended by officials, military commanders, and leading men.
Herodias’s daughter dances for the guests and pleases Herod. He makes a sweeping oath to give her whatever she asks.
After consulting her mother, she requests the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
Herod is deeply distressed, but because of his oath and his guests he refuses to withdraw the promise.
An executioner is sent to the prison. John is beheaded, and his head is brought to the girl, who gives it to her mother.
John’s disciples retrieve his body and place it in a tomb.
The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus dies because he refused to soften his public rebuke of a ruler.
Read the Original Account
This retelling is an original BibleVerses.com narrative. Read the primary biblical passages for the source account and full context.
Mark 6:14–29
Herod orders John’s beheading after a banquet promise.
Matthew 14:1–12
Matthew’s parallel account of John’s death.
Related Bible Stories
Key Bible Passages
Mark 6:14–29
Herod orders John’s beheading after a banquet promise.
Matthew 14:1–12
Matthew’s parallel account of John’s death.
What Happens in John the Baptist Is Beheaded?
Mark 6 and Matthew 14 tell how Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage and later orders John’s execution during a banquet.
People in This Story
John the Baptist
Prophet imprisoned and executed
Herod Antipas
Ruler who orders John’s death
Where the Story Happens
Galilee / Herod’s territory
Region ruled by Herod Antipas.
Topics in This Story
Why This Story Matters
John’s death completes the story of Jesus’ forerunner and foreshadows the danger faced by those who confront political power and, within the Gospel narrative, Jesus’ own coming death.
Historical and Literary Context
John has publicly criticized Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, the wife of his brother. Herod responds by imprisoning him.
Related Bible Stories
The Baptism of Jesus
Continue through the biblical story.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“John the Baptist Is Beheaded.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/john-the-baptist-is-beheaded/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “John the Baptist Is Beheaded.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/john-the-baptist-is-beheaded/.
