^{21 Ref} Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.

^{22 Ref} When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

^{23 Ref} He swore to her, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

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

^{25 Ref} She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter."

^{26 Ref} The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn't wish to refuse her.

^{27 Ref} Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

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

^{29 Ref} When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.