• Heb. mishmereth, one who watches (Nehemiah 4:22 ), or a watch-station (7:3; 12:9; Job 7:12 ).

    In the New Testament (Mark 6:27 ) the Authorized Version renders the Greek Spekulator By "executioner," earlier English versions by "hangman," the Revised Version by "soldier of his guard." The word properly means a "pikeman" or "halberdier," of whom the bodyguard of kings and princes was composed. In Matthew 27:65,66; 28:11 , the Authorized Version renders the Greek Kustodia By "watch," and the Revised Version by "guard," the Roman guard, which consisted of four soldiers, who were relieved every three hours ( Acts 12:4 ). The "captain of the guard" mentioned Acts 28:16 was the commander of the Praetorian troops, whose duty it was to receive and take charge of all prisoners from the provinces.

    Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Guard'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/g/guard.html. 1897.