20 because Herod was afraid of John. So he kept John safe. Herod knew John was a holy man who did what was right. When Herod heard him, he was very puzzled. But he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally the right time came. Herod gave a big dinner on his birthday. He invited his high officials and military leaders. He also invited the most important men in Galilee.
22 Then the daughter of Herodias came in and danced. She pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want. I'll give it to you."
23 And he promised her with an oath, "Anything you ask for I will give you. I'll give you up to half of my kingdom."
24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.
25 At once the girl hurried to ask the king. She said, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a big plate right now."
26 The king was very upset. But he thought of his promise and his dinner guests. So he did not want to say no to the girl.