^{17 Ref} For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.

^{18 Ref} For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

^{19 Ref} And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him; and she could not;

^{20 Ref} for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

^{21 Ref} And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;

^{22 Ref} and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and them that sat at meat with him; and the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

^{23 Ref} And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

^{24 Ref} And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer.

^{25 Ref} And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou forthwith give me on a platter the head of John the Baptist.

^{26 Ref} And the king was exceeding sorry; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat, he would not reject her.

^{27 Ref} And straightway the king sent forth a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring his head: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

²⁸ and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother.