Catholic Public Domain Version

Matthew 14:1-17 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1. In that time, Herod the Tetrarch heard the news about Jesus.

2. And he said to his servants: "This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead, and that is why miracles are at work in him."

3. For Herod had apprehended John, and bound him, and put him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother.

4. For John was telling him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

5. And though he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

6. Then, on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced in their midst, and it pleased Herod.

7. And so he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask of him.

8. But, having been advised by her mother, she said, "Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist."

9. And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who sat at table with him, he ordered it to be given.

10. And he sent and beheaded John in prison.

11. And his head was brought on a platter, and it was given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

12. And his disciples approached and took the body, and they buried it. And arriving, they reported it to Jesus.

13. When Jesus had heard it, he withdrew from there by boat, to a deserted place by himself. And when the crowds had heard of it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

14. And going out, he saw a great multitude, and he took pity on them, and he cured their sick.

15. And when evening had arrived, his disciples approached him, saying: "This is a deserted place, and the hour has now passed. Dismiss the crowds, so that, by going into the towns, they may buy food for themselves."

16. But Jesus said to them: "They have no need to go. Give them something to eat yourselves."

17. They answered him, "We have nothing here, except five loaves and two fish."