18
ForJohn had said unto Herod*, It isnotlawful for thee to havethybrother'swife.
19
ThereforeHerodias had a quarrel[a] against him,andwould have killedhim;but she couldnot:
20
ForHerodfearedJohn,knowing that he was a justmanand an holy,andobservedhim;[b]and when he heardhim, he did many things,andheardhimgladly.
21
And when a convenientday was come, thatHerod on hisbirthdaymade a supper to hislords*, high captains,andchief estates of Galilee;
22
And when the daughter of the saidHerodias came in, anddanced, andpleasedHerodand them that sat with him, the kingsaid unto the damsel,Ask of mewhatsoeverthouwilt, and I will give it thee.
23
And he sware unto her,Whatsoever*thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee,unto the half of mykingdom.
24
And she went forth, and said unto hermother,What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25
And she came instraightwaywithhasteunto the king, and asked, saying, I willthat thou giveme by and byin a charger the head of John the Baptist.
26
And the kingwas exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake,and for their sakes which sat with him, he wouldnotrejecther.
27
Andimmediately the kingsent an executioner, and commanded[c]hishead to be brought: and he went and beheadedhimin the prison,
28
Andbroughthisheadin a charger,andgaveit to the damsel:and the damselgaveit to hermother.