Mark 6:21-28

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.