Mark 6:17-27

AUV(i) 17 For it was Herod himself who had sent for John and had him arrested and chained up in prison. He did this to please Herodias, who was [i.e., had been] his brother Philip’s wife, but whom Herod had married. 18 For John had said to Herod, “It is unlawful for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 Now [because of this] Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but had not been able to. 20 It was because Herod was afraid of John, knowing he was a righteous and holy man, so he protected him. And Herod became very disturbed whenever he listened to John, yet he heard him gladly. 21 Then an ideal opportunity arose [i.e., for Herodias to do away with John] when Herod gave a dinner on his birthday for his influential friends, military commanders and the prominent officials of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter [Note: According to Josephus her name was Salome] came in and danced [in front of them, sensually], she pleased Herod and his party guests so much that the king said to the young woman, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “I will give you whatever you ask me for, up to one half [the wealth] of my kingdom.” 24 So, she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And her mother said, “ [Ask for] the head of John the Immerser.” 25 At once she hurried in to the king and said, “I would like you to give me the head of John the Immerser on a [large] platter right away.” 26 And the king became very distressed [over such a gruesome request], but because he had promised her with oaths, and [to keep from looking bad] in front of his party guests, he did not refuse her [request]. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier who served as his guard and ordered him to bring John’s head to him. So, he went and decapitated him in the prison,