Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 6:28

"and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the damsel; and the damsel gave it to her mother." — Mark 6:28 (ASV)

Herod was in a quandary, but “because of his oaths and his dinner guests,” he could hardly refuse the girl. Reluctantly he ordered an executioner to be sent to the prison to decapitate John. John’s head was brought to Herod, who presented it to Salome, who gave it to her mother.