18. For John had repeatedly told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19. So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not
20. because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.
21. But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee.
22. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.”
23. He swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”