Behead 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 1:20, 2 Samuel 1:20; 2 Kings 1:10-8). It is also mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 14:8-12; Acts 12:2).