ChristianAnswers.Net WebBible Encyclopedia a method of taking
away life by separating the head from the body This was
practiced among the Egyptians (Gen. 40:17-19). There are
instances of this mode of punishment also among the Hebrews (2
Sam. 4:8; 20:21,22; 2 Kings 10:6-8). It is also mentioned in the
New Testament (Matt. 14:8-12; Acts 12:2).