But when Herod's birthday came, Herodias' daughter danced before the guests. Herod was fascinated by her, and so passionately promised to give her anything she might ask for. read more. And she, prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head right here on a platter." And the king was sorry, but on account of his oath and his guests, he ordered it to be given her. And he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother. Then John's disciples came and carried off his corpse, and buried him, and went and reported it to Jesus.

When a holiday came and Herod on his birthday gave a banquet to his state officials, his military officers, and other leading men of Galilee, Herodias' daughter came in and danced for them, and fascinated Herod and his guests. So the king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you." read more. And he promised her on oath, "I will give you anything you ask for, up to half of my kingdom." She left the room and asked her mother, "What shall I ask him for?" And she answered, "The head of John the Baptist." Then she rushed at once before the king, and made this request, "I want you this very minute to give me John the Baptist's head on a platter." The king, although exceedingly sorry, yet on account of his oath and his guests, did not like to refuse her, and so at once ordered a soldier of his guard to bring his head. The soldier went off and beheaded John 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.