17. In fact, it was Herod himself who had given orders to arrest John. He had him tied up and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias. She was the wife of Herod's brother Philip. But now Herod was married to her.
18. John had been saying to Herod, "It is against the Law for you to have your brother's wife."
19. Herodias held that against John. She wanted to kill him. But she could not,
20. because Herod was afraid of John. So he kept John safe. Herod knew John was a holy man who did what was right. When Herod heard him, he was very puzzled. But he liked to listen to him.
21. Finally the right time came. Herod gave a big dinner on his birthday. He invited his high officials and military leaders. He also invited the most important men in Galilee.
22. Then the daughter of Herodias came in and danced. She pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want. I'll give it to you."
23. And he promised her with an oath, "Anything you ask for I will give you. I'll give you up to half of my kingdom."
24. She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.