21 But a convenient day came when Herod on his birthday prepared a ceremonial dinner for his lords and commanding officers and leading men of Galilee.
22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you desire, and I will give it to you.”
23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”
24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”She said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
25 She came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter at once.”
26 The king was extremely sorrowful. Yet for the sake of his oath and those who sat with him, he would not reject her.
27 So the king immediately sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. He went and beheaded him in the prison,