19. And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,
20. for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
23. And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”
24. And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
25. And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”