Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 14:7

"Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask." — Matthew 14:7 (ASV)

He promised with an oath — The scandalous chronicles of the time were not without stories of extravagant rewards paid to mimes and dancers, and Herod might imagine that in this also he was reproducing the magnificence of the imperial court at Rome. But he probably hardly expected the half of his kingdom (Mark 6:23) in response to his promise of whatsoever thou shalt ask. A jewel, a bracelet, a palace, or a city was probably in his thoughts as what she was likely to ask and he would gladly give.