Definition: But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 14:6. It’s a little strange at first, but it's packed with meaning! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “But when Herod’s birthday was kept…” – This tells us that the story is happening before the actual birthday of King Herod. It’s like a prelude to something important. “…the daughter of Herodias danced before them…” - This describes what the daughter of Herodias was doing. She was dancing! It sounds pretty joyful, but it's also a bit… unusual for a birthday celebration. “and pleased Herod.” – This is the key part. The daughter wasn’t just dancing; she was pleased with the attention. She was enjoying the feeling of being admired and celebrated. So, essentially, the verse describes a situation where a woman was dancing before Herod to make him happy. Why is this significant? This story is often interpreted as a warning about vanity or excessive celebration. It suggests that people can sometimes focus too much on their own importance and pleasure, even at the expense of others. It’s a gentle reminder that true joy comes from serving God and loving others, not from seeking attention for ourselves. In short, it's a story about a woman enjoying herself while Herod was celebrating, and hinting at a possible underlying concern about excessive pride. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this event? Discuss the symbolism behind the dancing? Talk about how this story relates to themes of humility and serving God?