4688. spekoulatór

Lexicon

spekoulatór: Executioner, Guard

Original Word: σπεκουλάτωρ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: spekoulatór
Pronunciation: spek-oo-lah'-tor
Phonetic Spelling: (spek-oo-lat'-ore)
Definition: Executioner, Guard
Meaning: a body-guardsman; an executioner.

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 Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
a scout, by ext. an executioner
NASB Translation
executioner (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4688: σπεκουλάτωρ

σπεκουλάτωρ, 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

Word Origin: Derived from Latin "speculator," meaning a scout or spy. The term was adopted into Greek usage, particularly in the context of Roman military and administrative functions.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σπεκουλάτωρ, as it is a term specific to the Roman administrative and military system. However, the concept of an executioner or royal guard can be loosely associated with roles such as the "tabbach" (טַבָּח), which refers to a cook or butcher, but in certain contexts, it can imply an executioner or guard, as seen in Genesis 37:36 and 1 Samuel 9:23.

Usage: The term σπεκουλάτωρ appears in the New Testament in the context of Roman authority and governance, reflecting the integration of Roman administrative practices into the regions under their control.

Context: The term σπεκουλάτωρ is found in the New Testament in Mark 6:27, where it describes the executioner sent by Herod to behead John the Baptist. The passage reads: "So without delay, the king commanded an executioner to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison" (BSB). This usage highlights the role of the spekoulator as an agent of the Roman or Herodian authority, tasked with carrying out orders that could include capital punishment.

In the Roman context, spekoulators were often part of the emperor's personal guard or served high-ranking officials. Their duties were diverse, ranging from protection and enforcement to intelligence and communication. The presence of such figures in the New Testament narrative underscores the pervasive influence of Roman governance in Judea and the surrounding regions during the time of Jesus and the early church.

The role of the spekoulator, as seen in the execution of John the Baptist, reflects the harsh realities of Roman rule and the often brutal enforcement of authority. This historical context provides insight into the political and social dynamics at play in the New Testament era, illustrating the tension between local populations and their Roman overseers.

Forms and Transliterations

σπεκουλατορα σπεκουλάτορα σπεκουλάτωρα spekoulatora spekoulátora

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 6:27 N-AMS
GRK: ὁ βασιλεὺς σπεκουλάτορα ἐπέταξεν ἐνέγκαι
NAS: sent an executioner and commanded
KJV: sent an executioner, and commanded
INT: the king an executioner he commanded to be brought

Strong's Greek 4688
1 Occurrence

σπεκουλάτορα — 1 Occ.