Herodias, on the other hand, hates John and keeps seeking to have him put to death. Finally, the opportunity she has been waiting for comes.

Herod is highly pleased with Salome. “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you,” he declares. He even swears: “Whatever you ask me for, I will give it to you, up to half my kingdom.”

Before answering, Salome goes out to consult with her mother. “What should I ask for?” she inquires.

The opportunity at last! “The head of John the baptizer,” Herodias answers without hesitation.

Quickly Salome returns to Herod and makes the request: “I want you to give me right away on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”