Herodias

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee during the time of Jesus' ministry. She was originally married to Herod Philip, the half-brother of Herod Antipas, but later divorced him to marry Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:3; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19). John the Baptist openly condemned this marriage as unlawful, which led to his imprisonment by Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:3–4; Mark 6:17–18; Luke 3:19–20). Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to have him killed, but Herod Antipas feared the multitude who regarded John as a prophet (Matthew 14:5; Mark 6:19–20). On Herod Antipas's birthday, Herodias's daughter danced before the guests, pleasing Herod Antipas, who promised to give her whatever she asked (Matthew 14:6–7; Mark 6:21–23). Prompted by her mother Herodias, the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Matthew 14:8; Mark 6:24–25). Although reluctant, Herod Antipas fulfilled the request and had John beheaded in prison (Matthew 14:9–11; Mark 6:26–28).