Executioner

(Mark 6:27). Instead of the Greek word, Mark here uses a Latin word, speculator, which literally means “a scout,” “a spy,” and at length came to denote one of the armed bodyguard of the emperor. Herod Antipas, in imitation of the emperor, had in attendance on him a company of speculatores. They were sometimes employed as executioners, but this was a mere accident of their office. (See MARK, GOSPEL OF.)

The post of executioner was one of high dignity. Potiphar was “captain of the executioners.” (Genesis 37:36) see margin. That the “captain of the guard” himself occasionally performed the duty of an executioner appears from (1 Kings 2:25,34)

EXECU'TIONER In O.T. times the post was honorable. The executioner of Mark 6:27 belonged to the king's body-guard.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. One who executes; an executer. Bacon.

2. One who puts to death in conformity to legal warrant, as a hangman.