14:12a

John’s disciples: This phrase refers to John’s disciples. In the same way that Jesus had disciples who followed him and learned from him, John the Baptist also had disciples who followed him and learned from his teachings. John’s disciples are first mentioned in 9:14a. This term also occurs in 11:2b.

In some languages, it may be natural to add some implied information at the beginning of this verse. For example:

Later, John’s disciples (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊When⌋ John’s disciples ⌊heard about his death⌋
-or-

⌊When⌋ John’s disciples ⌊heard what had happened⌋

came and took: John’s disciples came/went to the prison and probably asked for permission to take the body. Your translation should not imply that they came and took the body secretly.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

came and got his body (New Century Version)

buried it: In Mark 6:29, John’s disciples buried his body in a proper burial place. Your translation here should imply a proper burial.

14:12b

And they went and informed Jesus: Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. (New Living Translation (2004))

-or-

Then they went and told the news to Jesus. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

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