The verb denotes the judicial act of removing a person’s head, typically by execution. In the New Testament it uniformly describes the beheading of John the Baptist and carries the overtones of political power exercising lethal force against prophetic truth.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Matthew 14:10 – Herod Antipas “sent and had John beheaded in the prison.”
• Mark 6:16 – Herod, hearing of Jesus’ miracles, admits, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!”
• Mark 6:27 – The tetrarch “sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head.”
• Luke 9:9 – A perplexed Herod says, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?”

Each passage revolves around the single historical episode of John’s execution, yet they record distinct moments: the order (Matthew), the act itself (Mark 6:27), the guilty recollection (Mark 6:16), and Herod’s continued confusion (Luke 9:9). Together they form a narrative thread emphasizing both the finality of John’s death and the inability of worldly power to silence God’s word.

Historical Context: Herod Antipas and the Fate of John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great and tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, divorced his first wife to marry Herodias, his brother Philip’s former spouse (Matthew 14:3–4). John publicly condemned this unlawful union. Fearful of the crowds yet manipulated by Herodias and her daughter’s dance, Herod ordered John’s beheading during a banquet in Machaerus fortress. Josephus corroborates that Machaerus housed Herod’s prison and that John was executed there (Antiquities 18.5.2), lending extra-biblical support to the Gospel accounts.

Theological Significance

1. Prophetic Martyrdom: John’s fate stands in the line of persecuted prophets (cf. Matthew 23:29–36). His death previews the suffering Messiah will endure under similar political machinations.
2. Human Authority versus Divine Mission: Herod’s earthly power silenced the prophet’s voice temporarily, but the Gospel reports Herod’s lingering anxiety and public awareness of John’s message, underscoring that truth outlives its messenger.
3. Foreshadowing Resurrection Hope: Herod’s superstition that John “has been raised from the dead” (Mark 6:16) unintentionally anticipates Jesus’ actual resurrection, revealing God’s power to overturn even beheading, the most final of deaths.

Applications for Christian Ministry

• Courageous Witness: John’s uncompromising stand against immorality models fearless proclamation of righteousness regardless of personal cost.
• Counting the Cost: Believers engaged in prophetic ministry must reckon with potential hostility from political and cultural powers.
• God’s Vindication: Although John suffered execution, his testimony prepared the way for Christ; ministry faithfulness is measured by obedience, not worldly success.

Connections to the Wider Biblical Narrative

• Old Testament Echoes: David’s beheading of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51) contrasts righteous victory with Herod’s unrighteous murder, illustrating how identical actions may differ morally by their motives and objects.
• Early Church Reflection: Acts repeatedly references the pattern of unjust rulers opposing the Gospel (Acts 4:25–28). John’s death forms part of this continuum, culminating in the martyrs of Revelation who “had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 20:4).
• Christological Parallel: The Passion accounts mirror John’s story—an innocent preacher executed through political intrigue—showing that the Forerunner’s martyrdom foreshadows the Cross.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 607 encapsulates a grim act—beheading—yet its New Testament usage centers on the righteous martyrdom of John the Baptist. The term highlights the clash between prophetic truth and corrupt power, anticipates the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and calls the Church to steadfast, courageous witness in every generation.