19
And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;
20
For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.
21
And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
22
And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and did a dance, Herod and those who were at table with him were pleased with her; and the king said to the girl, Make a request for anything and I will give it you.
23
And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.
24
And she went out and said to her mother, What is my request to be? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
25
And she came in quickly to the king, and said, My desire is that you give me straight away on a plate the head of John the Baptist.
26
And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say 'No' to her.
27
And straight away the king sent out one of his armed men, and gave him an order to come back with the head: and he went and took off John's head in prison,
28
And came back with the head on a plate, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.
29
And when his disciples had news of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in its last resting-place.