19
So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,
20
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[a] ; yet he liked to listen to him.
21
Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22
When the daughter of[b] Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”
23
And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24
She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.