Mark 6:27

an executioner Literally, a soldier of the guard. The word Speculatordenotes (1) a looker-out, spy, scout;(2) a special adjutant, soldier of the guard. These scouts formed a special division in each legion; but under the emperors a body bearing this name was specially appointed to guard the emperor and execute his commands (Tac. Hist. i. 24, 25; II. 11; Suet. Claud. xxxv.). Hence they were often employed as special messengers in seeking out those who were proscribed or sentenced to death (Seneca, de Irai. 16). In the earlier English Versions the word is rendered "hangman," but this term describes a mere accident of his office. The use of a military term, compared with Luke 3:14, is in accordance with the fact that Herod was at this time making war on Aretas (Jos. Antiq. xviii. 5. 1).