Mark 6:17-27 You see, Herod himself, sending agents off (dispatching men), seized and arrested John and bound him in prison (within the midst of a jail) because of Herodias, the wife of Philip, his brother, because Herod married her.

JMNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹⁷ You see, Herod himself, sending [agents] off (dispatching [men]), seized and arrested John and bound him in prison (within the midst of a jail) because of Herodias, the wife of Philip, his brother, because [Herod] married her. ¹⁸ Thus John was repeatedly saying to (or: in regard to) Herod, "It is not proper, permissible or lawful (= it violates custom and Torah) for you to continue having and holding (possessing) your brother's wife." ¹⁹ Now Herodias was habitually nursing a grudge against him (or: constantly had it in for him; kept on hemming him in; was repeatedly entangling him) and was constantly intending (designing; willing; resolving; purposing; wanting) to kill him off, and continued powerless and unable, ²⁰ for Herod continued fearing (perhaps: reverencing) John, having seen and thus knowing him [to be] a fair (equitable; in accord with the way pointed out; a just) and set-apart (holy) man, so he continued with a consorted effort to watch over and guard him (keep him safe and sound). And after hearing many things in regard to him (or: So often hearing from him), he became perplexed and continued hesitating, at a loss to decide. And yet, he gladly continued hearing of him (or: from him; = what he had to say; [or, with A C D & other MSS: And upon hearing him, he continued doing many things and hearing him with pleasure]). ²¹ And an opportune (convenient; strategic) day was happening (coming to be), when Herod, for his birthday celebration, made a formal dinner (banquet) for his great men (= nobles; lords; courtiers; high dignitaries; top-ranking officials), the military tribunes (commanders of a thousand men) and the foremost people (= leading citizens) of the Galilee [district]. ²² And then at the entering of the daughter of this same Herodias, and upon [her] dancing, she charmed and gave pleasure to Herod and to those lying back [at dinner] with him. So now the king said to the young maiden (girl; young woman), "Request of me at once whatever you may presently be wanting (could normally be desiring; should habitually be intending; can continue resolving with design and purpose), and I will proceed giving [it] to you." ²³ Then he earnestly (or: vehemently) swore an oath (put himself under oath) – as one touching some sacred object – to her, "Whatever you may ask (request of) me, I will give [it] to you – up to half of my kingdom!" ²⁴ So, on coming out, she said to her mother, "What should I request (demand; ask; perhaps = claim) for myself?" The woman replied, "The head of John, the one constantly baptizing (immersing)." ²⁵ And so, on entering – with immediate haste toward the king – she made request (demanded; asked) for herself, saying, "I am presently desiring (wanting) that you here and now should instantly give to me the head of John, the one who baptizes (immerses), upon a plank (board; or: plate; platter)." ²⁶ And the king, becoming engulfed with grief (sorrow-stricken), did not want (desire; purpose) to displace her (to upset her; to set her aside; to thwart, reject, refuse or repudiate her; perhaps = disappoint or disregard her) because of the oaths and those still reclining (lying back) [while dining with him]. (or: And the king becoming greatly pained because of the vows...) ²⁷ So the king immediately issued the order, sending off a [soldier of his personal] guard (one who also acted as a sentinel, a spy or an executioner) to bring his head.