¹⁹ As for Herodias, she was filled with resentment against John and wanted to have him killed, but she was unable to do so, ²⁰ because Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a holy and righteous man. Therefore, he protected him from harm. When he heard John speak, he was greatly perplexed by his words, but even so he liked to listen to him.

²¹ Her opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his court officials and military officers and the leaders of Galilee.