a method of taking away life practised among the Egyptians ( Genesis 40:17-19 ). There are instances of this mode of punishment also among the Hebrews ( 2 Samuel 4:8 ; 2 Samuel 20:21 2 Samuel 20:22 ; 2 Kings 10:6-8 ). It is also mentioned in the New Testament ( Matthew 14:8-12 ; Acts 12:2 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.