18
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
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.