20. For Herod was in awe of John and kept him safe, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When he listened to John he was confused, but he still listened gladly.
21. An opportunity came—when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his high officials, military brass, and the leaders of the Galilee.
22. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those reclining with him. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you!”
23. He vowed to her, “Whatever you ask of me I’ll give you, up to half of my kingdom!”
24. She left the room and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the Immerser!”
25. Immediately she rushed to the king and requested, “I want you to give me, right now, the head of John the Immerser on a platter!”
26. The king became very sorrowful; but because of his oaths and those reclining with him, he didn’t want to refuse her.
27. Immediately the king sent an executioner and gave orders to bring John’s head. And the executioner went out and beheaded John in the prison,
28. brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.
29. When John’s disciples heard, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
30. The twelve emissaries gathered together with Yeshua, and they reported to Him all they had done and taught.