EXECUTE, EXECUTIONER. The OT makes a clear and precise distinction between murder—the illicit and violent killing of a human being (Exod 20:13), and the legal, moral act of slaying a criminal by the duly constituted authority (Gen 9:6 et al.). Unfortunately, the KJV often renders the simple Heb. verb “to do,” “to accomplish” with the obsolete Tudor “execute” (Exod 12:12 et al.). In most cases the term refers to the exacting of judgment upon the nations. However, several cases of execution, legal deprivation of life, are mentioned in the OT (2 Chron 25:2-4 et al.). Criminals were to be either stoned (Deut 13:10) or hanged (Deut 21:22). But strict prohibitions against vendetta were in force (24:16). Several executions at the hands of the authorities are mentioned in the NT (Matt 14:10 et al.). Crucifixion was the Rom. method of execution. The only occurrence of the term “executioner” is in the Marcan account of the beheading of John the Baptist (6:27) where the Gr. loan-word from Lat., σπεκουλάτωρ, G5063, Lat. speculator, “scout,” “courier,” and by extension “executioner.”