3 For Herod had earlier ordered John's arrest, and he had him tied up and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
4 For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, “It isn't right for you to be married to Herodias!”
5 Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.
6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased
7 that he promised her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!”
8 At her mother's suggestion she asked him, “Give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a plate!”
9 The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted.