"to behead, Mt. 14:10; Mk. 6:16, 28; Lk. 9:9"
Definition and meaning
to behead, Mt. 14:10; Mk. 6:16, 28; Lk. 9:9
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀποκεφαλίζω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of apokephalizo (G607) across the King James Bible.
And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
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Common questions
Strong's G607 (apokephalizo) is a Greek word that means: to behead, Mt. 14:10; Mk. 6:16, 28; Lk. 9:9 It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word apokephalizo (G607) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G607 is apokephalizo, a Greek word defined as: to behead, Mt. 14:10; Mk. 6:16, 28; Lk. 9:9. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apokephalizo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.