Lexical Summary spekoulatór: Executioner, Guard Original Word: σπεκουλάτωρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance executioner. Of Latin origin; a speculator, i.e. Military scout (spy or (by extension) life-guardsman) -- executioner. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition a scout, by ext. an executioner NASB Translation executioner (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4688: σπεκουλάτωρσπεκουλάτωρ, σπεκουλατορος (R G σπεκουλατορος (cf. Tdf. on Mark as below)), ὁ (the Latin wordspeculator), a looker-out, spy, scout; under the emperors an attendant and member of the body-guard, employed as messengers, watchers, and executioners (Seneca, de ira 1, 16centurio supplicio praepositus codere gladium speculatorem jubet; also de benef. 3, 25); the name is transferred to an attendant of Herod Antipas that acted as executioner: Mark 6:27. Cf. Keim, ii., 512 (English translation, 4:219; J. W. Golling in Thes. Nov. etc. ii., p. 405f.) Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context Mark 6:27 records the single New Testament appearance of the term translated “executioner”: “So immediately he sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded him in the prison.” The word designates a trusted member of Herod Antipas’s personal guard tasked with carrying out capital sentences. His swift obedience underscores the absolute authority wielded by regional rulers and the vulnerability of the righteous under ungodly power. Historical Background Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea under Roman oversight. Royal courts commonly retained select soldiers who combined the roles of bodyguard, courier, and occasional executioner—functions mirrored in the Old Testament by groups such as the Cherethites and Pelethites under David (2 Samuel 8:18) and the Carites under Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:4). In Roman practice these men could bear the title speculator, a soldier of proven loyalty trusted with sensitive assignments, including delivering royal decrees of death. Their presence in Herod’s palace reflects the pervasive Roman influence on Judean governance during the first century. Relation to Roman Military Structure Within the Roman legions, speculatores formed an elite detachment attached to a commander. They served as intelligence agents, messengers, and, when required, instruments of capital punishment. Their proximity to power meant they could move unchallenged between palace and prison, as seen in Mark’s narrative. Herod’s reliance on such a guard illustrates the Romanization of local tetrarchies and helps explain how quickly John the Baptist’s execution was effected once the ruler’s oath was uttered. Theological and Moral Reflections 1. The cost of prophetic fidelity: John’s fate at the hands of an executioner highlights the peril that accompanies uncompromising proclamation of truth (see also Matthew 10:38-39). Application for Ministry • Courageous preaching: Modern servants of the word must be prepared to confront sin regardless of personal cost, trusting God with the outcome. The solitary appearance of this term in Mark 6:27 therefore serves as a vivid reminder of both the harsh realities of worldly authority and the steadfast advance of God’s kingdom through faithful witness. Forms and Transliterations σπεκουλατορα σπεκουλάτορα σπεκουλάτωρα spekoulatora spekoulátoraLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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