WPNT(i)
17 You see, Herod himself had ordered John arrested, and bound him in prison, on account of Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife; because he had married her
18 —John had kept saying to Herod, “It isn’t lawful for you to have your brother’s wife”.
19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him; but she couldn’t,
20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a just and holy man. And consulting him he would do many things; indeed, he would hear him with pleasure.
21 Then an opportune day came when on his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his courtiers, the military commanders, and the chief men of Galilee.
22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those reclining with him, the king said, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you”.
23 He even swore to her, “Whatever you may ask me I will give you, up to half of my kingdom!”
24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25 Hurrying in directly to the king she requested, saying, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter!”
26 Though the king became very sorry, because of his oaths, and of his guests, he did not want to refuse her.
27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded the head to be brought. So he went and beheaded him in the prison,