14:1. At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus.
Tetrarch. . .This word, derived from the Greek, signifies one that rules over the fourth part of a kingdom: as Herod then ruled over Galilee, which was but the fourth part of the kingdom of his father.
14:2. And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him.
14:3. For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother's wife.
14:4. For John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her.
14:5. And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.
14:6. But on Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod.
14:7. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him.
14:8. But she being instructed before by her mother, said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist.
14:9. And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given.