But when Herod's birthday came, Herodias' daughter danced before the company. And Herod was delighted with her, and swore that he would give her anything she asked for. read more. But she, at her mother's instigation, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter!" And the king was sorry, but because he had sworn to do it, and because of the guests who were present, he ordered it to be given to her. And he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. And his head was brought back on a platter and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body away, and buried him, and then they went and reported it to Jesus.

When a holiday came and Herod on his birthday gave a banquet to his courtiers and officers and to the leading men of Galilee, Herodias' own daughter came in and danced for them. And Herod and his guests were delighted, and the king said to the girl, read more. "Ask me for anything you like and I will give it to you." And he made oath to her, "I will give you whatever you ask me for, up to half my kingdom." When she had left the room she said to her mother, "What shall I ask him for?" But she said, "The head of John the baptizer." And she hurried back at once to the king and asked him for it, saying, "I want you right away to give me John the Baptist's head on a platter." The king was exceedingly sorry, but on account of his oath and his guests he did not like to break his word to her, and he immediately sent one of his guard with orders to get John's head. And he went off and beheaded him in the prison and brought back his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.