Mark 6:21-28

Christian Standard Bible Anglicised

²¹ An opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet^(A) for his nobles,^(B) military commanders,^(C) and the leading men of Galilee.^{(D) 22} When Herodias’s own daughter^[a] came in and danced,^(E) she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.’ ²³ He promised her with an^(F) oath:^(G) ‘Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.’^(H)

²⁴ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for? ’

‘John the Baptist’s^(I) head,’ she said.

²⁵ At once she hurried to the king and said, ‘I want you to give me John the Baptist’s^(J) head on a dish^(K) immediately.’ ²⁶ Although the king was deeply distressed,^(L) because of his oaths^(M) and the guests^[b] he did not want to refuse^(N) her. ²⁷ The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, ²⁸ brought his head on a dish, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.