Herodias

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee during the time of Jesus' ministry. She was originally married to Herod Philip, the half-brother of Herod Antipas, but later divorced him to marry Herod Antipas (Mat.14.3; Mrk.6.17; Luk.3.19). John the Baptist openly condemned this marriage as unlawful, which led to his imprisonment by Herod Antipas (Mat.14.3-4; Mrk.6.17-18; Luk.3.19-20). Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to have him killed, but Herod Antipas feared the multitude who regarded John as a prophet (Mat.14.5; Mrk.6.19-20). On Herod Antipas's birthday, Herodias's daughter danced before the guests, pleasing Herod Antipas, who promised to give her whatever she asked (Mat.14.6-7; Mrk.6.21-23). Prompted by her mother Herodias, the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mat.14.8; Mrk.6.24-25). Although reluctant, Herod Antipas fulfilled the request and had John beheaded in prison (Mat.14.9-11; Mrk.6.26-28).