19. And Herodias was angry (enraged) with him and held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him; but she could not,
20. For Herod had [a reverential] fear of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and [continually] kept him safe [under guard]. When he heard [John speak], he was much perplexed; and [yet] he heard him gladly.
21. But an opportune time came [for Herodias] when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and the high military commanders and chief men of Galilee.
22. For when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased and fascinated Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you desire, and I will give it to you.
23. And he put himself under oath to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom. [Esth. 5:3, 6.]
24. Then she left the room and said to her mother, What shall I ask for [myself]? And she replied, The head of John the Baptist!
25. And she rushed back instantly to the king and requested, saying, I wish you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
26. And the king was deeply pained and grieved and exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to slight her [by breaking faith with her].
27. And immediately the king sent off one [of the soldiers] of his bodyguard and gave him orders to bring [John's] head. He went and beheaded him in the prison
28. And brought his head on a platter and handed it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.
29. When his disciples learned of it, they came and took [John's] body and laid it in a tomb.
30. The apostles [sent out as missionaries] came back and gathered together to Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught.
31. And He said to them, [As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while–for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat.