Mark 6:14-29
[14]And king Herod had news of him, because his name was on the lips of all; and he said, John the Baptist has come back from the dead, and for this reason these powers are working in him.
[15]But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even like one of the prophets.
[16]But Herod, when he had news of it, said, John, whom I put to death, has come back from the dead.
[17]For Herod himself had sent men out to take John and put him in prison, because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had taken for himself.
[18]For John said to Herod, It is wrong for you to have your brother’s wife.
[19]And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;
[20]For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.
[21]And the chance came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
[22]And when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and did a dance, Herod and those who were at table with him were pleased with her; and the king said to the girl, Make a request for anything and I will give it you.
[23]And he took an oath, saying to her, Whatever is your desire I will give it to you, even half of my kingdom.
[24]And she went out and said to her mother, What is my request to be? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
[25]And she came in quickly to the king, and said, My desire is that you give me straight away on a plate the head of John the Baptist.
[26]And the king was very sad; but because of his oaths, and those who were with him at table, he would not say ‘No’ to her.
[27]And straight away the king sent out one of his armed men, and gave him an order to come back with the head: and he went and took off John’s head in prison,
[28]And came back with the head on a plate, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.
[29]And when his disciples had news of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in its last resting-place.