20
for 1Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holyman, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was veryperplexed; but he used to enjoylistening to him.
21
A strategicdaycamewhenHerod on his birthday2gave a banquet for his lords and militarycommanders and the leadingmen3of Galilee;
22
and when the daughter of 4Herodiasherselfcame in and danced, she pleasedHerod and his dinnerguests; and the kingsaid to the girl, "Ask me for whatever* you want and I will give it to you."
23
And he swore to her, "Whatever* you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to 5half of my kingdom."
24
And she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."
25
Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26
And although the king was verysorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinnerguests, he was unwilling* to refuse her.
27
Immediately the kingsent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison,
28
and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girlgave it to her mother.
29
When his disciplesheard about this, they came and tookaway his body and laid it in a tomb.
30
6The 7apostlesgatheredtogether with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught.