Mark 6:17-30

17For Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.

18For John had repeatedly told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

19So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not

20because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.

21But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee.

22When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.”

23He swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the baptizer.”

25Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

26Although it grieved the king deeply, he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests.

27So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded John in prison.

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

29When John’s disciples heard this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

30Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught.