Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 6:24

"And she went out, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptizer." — Mark 6:24 (ASV)

The girl left the banquet hall to seek the advice of her mother. Herodias’s quick reply betrayed the premeditated nature of her homicidal plan. Mark does not mention any surprise on the daughter’s part when her mother made the request. In fact, when she went to convey the request for the head of John the Baptist, the daughter added two things: she wanted John’s head “right now” and she wanted it “on a platter.”