Executioner
“Chief of the slaughtermen (Heb.); guardsman/scout (Gr./Lat.)”
Summary
The executioner in biblical times was typically a high-ranking military officer responsible for carrying out royal sentences of death. The position was associated with the royal bodyguard, as seen in Potiphar's role in Egypt, Benaiah's service under Solomon, and Herod Antipas's use of a guardsman to execute John the Baptist.
☩Old Testament Executioners
In the Old Testament, the executioner's role was combined with that of the captain of the guard. Potiphar held the title 'captain of the guard' (Hebrew sar hattabbachim), literally 'chief of the executioners or slaughtermen' (Gen 37:36; 39:1). This was a position of high dignity in the Egyptian court. Nebuzaradan held the same title under Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 39:9), as did Arioch under Belshazzar (Dan 2:14). The captain of the guard's residence often served as the public prison, explaining why Joseph was confined there.
☩Royal Executions in Israel
In Solomon's reign, Benaiah the chief of the army served as the king's executioner, carrying out death sentences against Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Kings 2:25, 34, 46). Though the 'chief' had subordinates to perform actual executions, persons of high rank might warrant the chief's personal attention. This arrangement reflects ancient Oriental practice where execution was a royal prerogative delegated to trusted military commanders.
☩The Speculatores Under Herod
When Herod Antipas ordered John the Baptist's execution, he 'sent an executioner' (Greek spekoulator, from Latin speculator). Originally meaning 'scout' or 'spy,' this term came to denote a member of the royal bodyguard under Roman influence. Herod adopted this Roman institution, using these life-guardsmen to execute his orders, as when one was dispatched to the prison to behead John and bring his head on a platter (Mark 6:27). This reflects the despotic character of Herod's rule.
Related Verses6 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Executioner," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Executioner," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Unknown source, "Executioner."