18
but Yochanan had told him, "It violates the Torah for you to marry your brother's wife."
19
So Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted him put to death. But this she could not accomplish,
20
because Herod stood in awe of Yochanan and protected him, for he knew that he was a tzaddik, a holy man. Whenever he heard him, he became deeply disturbed; yet he liked to listen to him.
21
Finally, the opportunity came. Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles and officers and the leading men of the Galil.
22
The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you want; I will give it to you";
23
and he made a vow to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24
So she went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She said, "The head of Yochanan the Immerser."
25
At once the daughter hurried back to the king and announced her request: "I want you to give me right now on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser."
26
Herod was appalled; but out of regard for the oaths he had sworn before his dinner guests, he did not want to break his word to her.
27
So the king immediately sent a soldier from his personal guard with orders to bring Yochanan's head. The soldier went and beheaded Yochanan in the prison,
28
brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.