20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a just and holy man. And consulting him he would do many things; indeed, he would hear him with pleasure.
21Then an opportune day came when on his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his courtiers, the military commanders, and the chief men of Galilee.
22When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those reclining with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
23He even swore to her, “Whatever you may ask me I will give you, up to half of my kingdom!”
24So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25Hurrying in directly to the king she requested, saying, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter!”
26Though the king became very sorry, because of his oaths and of his guests he did not want to refuse her.
27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded the head to be brought. So he went and beheaded him in the prison,
28brought the head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.
29Upon hearing of it, his disciples came, removed the corpse and placed it in a tomb.
30Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and reported all to Him, both what they had done and what they had taught.
31Because so many were coming and going that they did not even have leisure to eat, He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile.”
32So they went away in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
Mark 6
Mark 6:20-32