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).