He was beheaded by King Herod at the request of Salome, Herodias' daughter. Salome danced for Herod at his birthday party, and Herod promised Her everything she desired. Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod was hesitant, but refused to back out of his promise, so he had John killed.
The prophet John the Baptist and his death
There are several different stories about how John the Baptist died. One says that he was killed by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Another says that a soldier in Herod's army killed him.
The most popular story says that Herod had John the Baptist killed because John criticized Herod for marrying his brother's wife. Herod was so angry that he had John imprisoned and then killed him.
Whatever the real story is, we know that John the Baptist was a courageous man who stood up for what he believed in. He paid the ultimate price for his beliefs, but his message is still alive today.
