22 The daughter of Herodias came in and danced for them. This pleased Herod and the people at the feast. Then the king said to the girl, Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you.

23 He made a promise which he would not break. He said, Anything that you ask me for I will give you, even if you ask me for half of my kingdom.

24 The girl went to her mother and said, What shall I ask for? Her mother said, Ask for the head of John the Baptizer.

25 The girl came quickly to the king and said, I want you to give me the head of John the Baptizer on a plate. Give it to me right away.

26 The king was very sorry. But he had made a promise and all the people at the feast had heard him promise. He wanted to do what he promised her.

27 Right away he sent one of the soldiers who was standing on guard. He told him to bring Johns head. The soldier went to the prison and cut off Johns head.

28 He brought the head on a plate and gave it to the girl. She gave it to her mother.