Where was John the Baptist beheaded?

Answer 1

The location is not specified in The Bible, but according to Josephus it was at the Fortress of Machaerus near the Dead Sea.

Answer

Although the gospels do not actually say so, John the Baptist must have been beheaded in Galilee, north of Israel, since this is described as happening at a party for the leading men of Galilee on the occasion of Herod Antipas' birthday (Mark 6:21). Herod would scarcely have demanded that the lords and high captains treck on foot or donkey all the way down to the lonely castle of Macherus just for a party.

However, Josephus does make it clear that John was imprisoned and executed in Macherus, which is to the east of the Dead Sea. Josephus confirms that the reason for John's arrest was his public criticism of Herod Antipas' marriage to his own brother's former wife. The wedding took place in 34 CE and Antipas ordered John to be executed in 35 or 36 CE, out of fear that he was stirring the Jews up for rebellion. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."

Answer 2

Another answer from our community:

Tradition states that John the Baptist was probably beheaded on or around 29 August AD 30. There is no way to verify the actual date, but several pointers give some indication.

During AD 30, John was imprisoned by the king Herod Antipas, whom he had reproved for having sexual relations with Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother Philip. Matthew 14:3-12 relates the story of how on Herod's birthday, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced for Herod. She pleased Herod so much that he promised her whatever she asked for. At her mother's instigation she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Answer 3

We can not say which day John the Baptist was beheaded, but we do know that it must have been about the year 35 CE. The Jewish historian, Josephus says that Herod Antipas ordered John imprisoned and executed because he publicly criticised Antipas' marriage to his own brother's former wife. The wedding took place in the year 34.

Answer 4

You will find the story of John the Baptist being beheaded in Matthew 14:1 - 12 and Mark 6:17 - 29.