Mark 6:26

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And the king became very distressed [over such a gruesome request], but because he had promised her with oaths, and [to keep from looking bad] in front of his party guests, he did not refuse her [request].

Cross References

Matthew 14:9

Now King Herod became very distressed [over such a gruesome request]; but because he had [promised with] oaths and [to look good in front of] his party guests, he ordered John’s head to be given [to her].

Mark 6:25

At once she hurried in to the king and said, “I would like you to give me the head of John the Immerser on a [large] platter right away.”

Mark 6:27

And immediately the king sent a soldier who served as his guard and ordered him to bring John’s head to him. So, he went and decapitated him in the prison,