This word does not occur in the O.T. except in the margin . In three places persons are pointed out as 'captain of the guard,' who in the margin are called 'chief of the executioners or slaughtermen.' Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:9; Daniel 2:14 . In Solomon's day Benaiah the chief of the army was called to fulfil this office, 1 Kings 2:25,34,46 , though doubtless the 'chief ' had others under him that actually carried the king's word into execution, unless the persons were of high rank. In Mark 6:27 Herod Antipas called to an executioner, or one of his guard to behead John the Baptist.