“Shortly before, Herod indicated that he wanted to kill John. He hesitated for fear of the people, because they considered him to be a prophet. But now, upon the request for John's death, since Herod was bound formally by the ritual of an oath, how is it that he suddenly becomes sorry? His former willingness is incompa…”
Hilary of Poitiers, 4th c. — Commentary on Matthew 14.8
Original
8And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.
Modern
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In context
6But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
7Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
— Matthew 14:8 —
9And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.