MSB(i)
16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has risen from the dead!”
17 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married.
18 For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!”
19 So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,
20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he did many things, and he listened to him gladly.
21 On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22 When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, 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 my kingdom!”
24 Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”
25 At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”
26 The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her.