Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "officer" refers to individuals who held positions of authority and responsibility within various societal, military, and religious structures. The role and function of officers varied depending on the context and the specific duties assigned to them.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, officers were often appointed to assist in the administration of justice, governance, and military operations. For example, in the governance of Israel, officers were appointed to help Moses manage the affairs of the people. In Exodus 18:21, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises him to "select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens." Officers also played a significant role in the military organization of ancient Israel. In 1 Samuel 8:12, when the Israelites demanded a king, Samuel warned them that the king would appoint officers over his chariots and horsemen. These officers were responsible for leading and organizing the troops in battle. In the context of the monarchy, officers served in the royal court and were responsible for various administrative duties. In 1 Kings 4:5, Azariah son of Nathan is mentioned as an officer over the district governors, indicating a role in overseeing regional administration. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "officer" is less frequently used, but it still appears in contexts related to authority and governance. In the Roman context, officers were often associated with military and civil authority. For example, in Acts 23:23, the Roman commander called two of his officers and instructed them to prepare a detachment of soldiers to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix. Officers also appear in parables and teachings of Jesus, illustrating principles of authority and accountability. In Luke 12:58, Jesus advises, "As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison." Religious and Spiritual Implications The role of officers in the Bible often reflects broader themes of leadership, responsibility, and accountability. Officers were expected to act with integrity and justice, serving as intermediaries between higher authorities and the people. Their actions and decisions could significantly impact the well-being and order of the community. In a spiritual sense, the concept of an officer can be seen as a metaphor for the responsibilities entrusted to believers. Just as officers were accountable to their superiors, Christians are called to be accountable to God and to exercise their roles and responsibilities with faithfulness and integrity. Overall, the biblical portrayal of officers underscores the importance of leadership that aligns with divine principles, emphasizing justice, righteousness, and service to others. Smith's Bible Dictionary OfficerIt is obvious that most, if not all, of the Hebrew words rendered "officer" are either of an indefinite character or are synonymous terms for functionaries known under other and more specific names, as "scribe," "eunuch" etc. The two words so rendered in the New Testament denote --
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who holds an office; a person lawfully invested with an office, whether civil, military, or ecclesiastical; as, a church officer; a police officer; a staff officer.2. (n.) Specifically, a commissioned officer, in distinction from a warrant officer. 3. (v. t.) To furnish with officers; to appoint officers over. 4. (v. t.) To command as an officer; as, veterans from old regiments officered the recruits. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OFFICERof'-i-ser: In the King James Version the term is employed to render different words denoting various officials, domestic, civil and military, such as caric, "eunuch," "minister of state" (Genesis 37:36); paqidh, "person in charge," "overseer" (Genesis 41:34); necibh, "stationed," "garrison," "prefect" (1 Kings 4:19); shoTer, "scribe" or "secretary" (perhaps arranger or organizer), then any official or overseer. In Esther 9:3 for the King James Version "officers of the king" the Revised Version (British and American) has (more literal) "they that did the king's business." Greek 2760. kenturion -- a centurion (a Roman army officer) ... a centurion (a Roman army officer). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kenturion Phonetic Spelling: (ken-too-ree'-ohn) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2760.htm - 6k 5529. Chouzas -- Chuza, an officer of Herod 5529a. Chouzas -- Chuza, an officer of Herod 2804. Klaudios -- Claudius, the name of an Emperor, also an army ... 4233. praktor -- one who does or accomplishes 5257. huperetes -- an underling, servant 4465. rhabdouchos -- a rod holder, ie (a Roman) lictor (one ... 1413. dunastes -- a ruler, a potentate 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak 4173. politarches -- the ruler of a city Strong's Hebrew 7860. shoter -- official, officer... 7859, 7860. shoter. 7861 . official, officer. Transliteration: shoter Phonetic Spelling: (sho-tare') Short Definition: officers. ... officer, overseer, ruler. ... /hebrew/7860.htm - 6k 7991c. shalish -- adjutant, officer 3065. Yehudi -- "Jewish," an officer of Jehoiakim 5021. Nebushaz-ban -- "O Nebo, deliver me," a Bab. officer 3151. Yaziz -- an officer of David 2870b. Tabeel -- perhaps "God is good," a Pers. officer 4732. Miqloth -- a Benjamite, also an officer of David 2083. Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech 5562. Samgar Nebo -- a Bab. officer 2071. Zabud -- "bestowed," an officer of Solomon Library Letter cxliv. To the Prefects' Officer. Peter and the Roman Officer Wherefore a Man, Fronto by Name, who was an Officer of the Court ... Our Lord Jesus Christ Having Wrought in Jud??a Many and Great and ... "Except Ye See Signs and Wonders" Paul's Shipwreck Arria and Her Mother Sat with the Emperor. ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 56, 58, "Ye Know How to ... The Fall of Eutropius Agree with Thine Adversary Thesaurus Officer (70 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) One who holds an office; a person lawfully invested with an office, whether civil, military, or ecclesiastical; as, a church officer; a police officer... /o/officer.htm - 30k Commanding (79 Occurrences) Magistrate (9 Occurrences) Marshal (2 Occurrences) Lieutenant Chamberlain (14 Occurrences) Shebna (9 Occurrences) Official (45 Occurrences) Commander (111 Occurrences) Centurion (22 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about law enforcement / the police? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about racism? | GotQuestions.org Was some of Proverbs copied from the Instruction of Amenemope? | GotQuestions.org Officer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Officer (70 Occurrences)Matthew 5:25 Luke 4:20 Luke 12:58 John 4:46 John 4:49 John 18:12 Acts 21:31 Acts 21:33 Acts 21:37 Acts 22:24 Acts 22:26 Acts 22:27 Acts 22:28 Acts 22:29 Acts 23:10 Acts 23:15 Acts 23:17 Acts 23:18 Acts 23:19 Acts 23:22 Acts 24:22 Acts 26:16 2 Timothy 2:4 Genesis 37:36 Genesis 39:1 Judges 9:28 1 Samuel 29:3 1 Kings 4:5 1 Kings 4:19 1 Kings 22:9 2 Kings 3:11 2 Kings 7:2 2 Kings 7:17 2 Kings 7:19 2 Kings 8:6 2 Kings 9:25 2 Kings 15:25 2 Kings 18:17 2 Kings 18:24 2 Kings 23:11 2 Kings 25:19 1 Chronicles 9:11 1 Chronicles 26:24 1 Chronicles 27:4 1 Chronicles 27:5 1 Chronicles 27:16 2 Chronicles 18:8 2 Chronicles 24:11 2 Chronicles 26:11 2 Chronicles 28:7 2 Chronicles 31:12 2 Chronicles 31:13 2 Chronicles 32:21 Ezra 4:8 Ezra 4:9 Ezra 4:17 Nehemiah 11:9 Nehemiah 11:14 Nehemiah 11:22 Proverbs 6:7 Isaiah 33:18 Isaiah 36:9 Jeremiah 20:1 Jeremiah 38:7 Jeremiah 39:3 Jeremiah 39:13 Jeremiah 51:59 Jeremiah 52:25 Daniel 1:3 Daniel 2:15 Subtopics Officer: Civil: Appointed by Kings Officer: Civil: Chosen by the People Related Terms |