⁴ for John had said to him, “It is not lawful (morally right) for you to have her [living with you as your wife].”^{(A) 5} Although Herod wished to have him put to death, he feared the people, for they regarded John as a prophet.

⁶ But when Herod’s birthday came, [his niece Salome], the daughter of Herodias danced [immodestly] before them and pleased and fascinated Herod,