17. Herod himself had ordered John's arrest, and he had him chained and put in prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, whom he had married, even though she was the wife of his brother Philip.
18. John the Baptist kept telling Herod, “It isn't right for you to be married to your brother's wife!”
19. So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because of Herod.
20. Herod was afraid of John because he knew that John was a good and holy man, and so he kept him safe. He liked to listen to him, even though he became greatly disturbed every time he heard him.
21. Finally Herodias got her chance. It was on Herod's birthday, when he gave a feast for all the chief government officials, the military commanders, and the leading citizens of Galilee.
22. The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod and his guests. So the king said to the girl, “What would you like to have? I will give you anything you want.”
23. With many vows he said to her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for, even as much as half my kingdom!”
24. So the girl went out and asked her mother, “What shall I ask for?”“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.