Definition: And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 14:8. It’s a really strange and dramatic moment in the story of Jesus and his ministry! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Story: Jesus was traveling through the region near Galilee. He had been teaching and preaching, and he was feeling very tired. He’s surrounded by a large crowd, and people are starting to get restless. As he’s trying to calm them down, he hears a woman speaking to him. What she says: She tells Jesus, "Give me here John the Baptist's head in a charger." What it means – The Literal Translation: "Give me here..." : This is a direct request. She’s asking for something specific. "...John the Baptist’s head…" : This refers to John the Baptist, who was a prophet and minister of repentance. He was known for baptizing people and warning against sin. “…in a charger.” : This is the really weird part! “Charger” doesn't mean anything in modern language. It’s an archaic term meaning something that charges or energizes . It suggests she wanted to stimulate or activate John, perhaps to make him more effective. The Interpretation – The Symbolic Meaning (and why it’s so strange): This story is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Jesus' own situation and purpose. Here's the breakdown: Jesus' Exhaustion: The woman's request highlights Jesus' immense tiredness and perhaps a feeling of being overwhelmed by his work. John the Baptist’s Role: John the Baptist was a crucial figure – he was a prophet who called people to repentance and was often seen as a leader in the early church. Charging/Energizing: The most common interpretation is that Jesus was asking for stimulation or energizing his disciples, particularly Peter, to be more effective in spreading the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). It’s like saying, "Help me to do my job better!" Important Note: It's crucial to remember this story is ancient. The language and context are very different from what we understand today. The meaning is layered with symbolism and reflects a time when the Gospel was being introduced in a way that emphasized action and transformation. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context of this story? The different interpretations of the meaning behind it?