AUV(i)
1 About that time Herod the tetrarch [Note: This man was the son of Herod the Great (See 2: 1 and governor of that district] heard the report about what Jesus had been saying and doing.
2 He told his servants, “This must be John, the Immerser; he has risen from the dead and [that explains how] these powers can work through him [i.e., Jesus].”
3 For Herod had arrested John and had him chained and put in prison in order to please Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
4 For John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to be married to her.”
5 Now Herod wanted to have him put to death, [but hesitated], fearing the crowd, because they considered John to be a prophet.
6 But when Herod’s birthday came, Herodias’ daughter [Note: According to Josephus her name was Salome], pleased him by [her sensual] dancing in front of the party guests.
7 [Herod was so pleased with her performance that] he promised, with an oath, to give her whatever she asked for [i.e., with limitations. See Mark 6:23].
8 Her mother persuaded her to say, “Give me the head of John, the Immerser, here on this [large] platter.”
9 Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John’s head to be given [to her].
10 So, he sent [word to his officers] and had John decapitated in the prison.
11 His head was brought on a [large] platter and given to the young woman [i.e., Salome], and she took it to her mother [i.e., Herodias].
12 Jesus’ disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus [all about the incident].