Reference: Centurion
American
A Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers; similar to "captain" in modern times. Several centurions are mentioned with honor in the New Testament, Mr 15:39; Lu 7:1-10; and the first fruits to Christ from the Gentiles was the generous and devout Cornelius, Ac 10.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Now the centurion, who was standing near, out over against him, seeing, that, thus, he ceased to breathe, said - Truly, this man, was God's son!
After he had completed all his sayings within the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And, a certain centurion's servant, being sick, was on the point of dying, - who was, by him, highly prized. read more. But, hearing about Jesus, he sent forth unto him elders of the Jews, requesting him that he would come and bring his servant safely through. And, they, coming near unto Jesus, began beseeching him earnestly, saying - Worthy, is he for whom thou mayest do this, for he loveth our nation, and, the synagogue, he, built for us. And, Jesus, was journeying with them. But, he, by this time, being not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying unto him - Lord! do not trouble thyself, for I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldst enter. Wherefore, neither deemed I, myself, worthy to come unto thee, - but speak with a word, and let my servant be healed. For, I too, am a man ranked, under authority, having, under myself, soldiers; and I say to this one - Go! and he goeth, - and to another - Come! and he cometh, - and to my servant - Do this! and he doeth it. And, hearing these things, Jesus marvelled at him; and, turning to the multitude following him, said - I tell you, Not even in Israel, such faith as this, have I found! And they who were sent, returning unto the house, found the servant, well.
Easton
a Roman officer in command of a hundred men (Mr 15:39,44-45). Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, was a centurion (Ac 10:1,22). Other centurions are mentioned in 8/5/type/emb'>Mt 8:5,8,13; Lu 7:2,6; Ac 21:32; 22:25-26; 23/17/type/emb'>23:17,23; 24:23; 27:1,6,11,31,43; 28:16. A centurion watched the crucifixion of our Lord (Mt 27:54; Lu 23:47), and when he saw the wonders attending it, exclaimed, "Truly this man was the Son of God." "The centurions mentioned in the New Testament are uniformly spoken of in terms of praise, whether in the Gospels or in the Acts. It is interesting to compare this with the statement of Polybius (vi. 24), that the centurions were chosen by merit, and so were men remarkable not so much for their daring courage as for their deliberation, constancy, and strength of mind.", Dr. Maclear's N. T. Hist.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, when he entered into Capernaum, there came near unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
But the centurion, answering, said, Lord! I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldest enter, - but, only say with a word, and healed shall be my servant.
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Withdraw! and, as thou hast believed, be it done for thee. And healed was the servant in that hour.
Now, the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, seeing the earthquake and the things coming to pass, were violently affrighted, saying - Truly, God's Son, was, he!
Now the centurion, who was standing near, out over against him, seeing, that, thus, he ceased to breathe, said - Truly, this man, was God's son!
But, Pilate, wondered whether, already, he was dead; and, calling near the centurion, questioned him - whether he had, already, died. And, getting to know from the centurion, he presented the corpse unto Joseph.
And, a certain centurion's servant, being sick, was on the point of dying, - who was, by him, highly prized.
And, Jesus, was journeying with them. But, he, by this time, being not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying unto him - Lord! do not trouble thyself, for I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldst enter.
And the centurion, beholding that which came to pass, began to glorify God, saying - In very deed, this man, was, righteous.
But, a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion of the band called Italian, -
And they said - Cornelius, a centurion, a man righteous and fearing God, well-attested by the whole nation of the Jews, hath been divinely instructed by a holy messenger to send for thee unto his house, and to hear words from thee.
who, instantly taking unto him soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them; and, they, seeing the captain and the soldiers, left off striking Paul.
But, when they had stretched him out with straps, Paul said unto the by-standing centurion - A Roman, and uncondemned, is it allowed you to be scourging? And, when the centurion heard that , he went unto the captain, and reported, saying - What art thou going to do? For, this man, is, a Roman?
And Paul, calling unto him one of the centurions, said - This young man, lead thou away unto the captain, for he hath somewhat to report unto him.
And calling certain two of the centurions he said - Make ye ready two hundred soldiers, that they may journey as far as Caesarea, - and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, by the third hour of the night;
giving orders unto the centurion, that he should be kept, and have a measure of liberty, and to be hindering, none, of his own from waiting upon him.
Now, when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul, and certain other prisoners, unto a centurion by name Julius, of an Augustan band.
And the centurion, there, finding a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, put us therein.
But, the centurion, by the master, and by the shipowner, was more persuaded than by the things which, by Paul, were spoken.
Paul said unto the centurion, and unto the soldiers - Except, these, abide in the ship, ye yourselves, cannot be saved!
Fausets
It is a propriety in the New Testament that centurions are so often favorably noticed. Good conduct was generally the cause of their promotion to the command of a century (properly 100 men). Truthful straightforwardness would make them open to conviction. For instance, the one whose faith Jesus so commends in Matthew 8; Cornelius, whom Peter was by vision sent to, and who is described as "devout, fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and praying to God always" (Acts 10); Julius, the centurion of Augustus' band, who entreated Paul courteously and saved his life when threatened by the soldiers (Ac 27:1,3-43). In Ac 24:23 translate "the centurion," namely, the commander of the horse who had conveyed Paul to Caesarea after the other of the two centurions had come back with the infantry (compare Ac 23:23,32). The centurion at the Lord's crucifixion uttered the testimony so remarkable from a Gentile: "certainly this was a righteous man"; Luke's explanation (Lu 23:47) of what a Gentile would mean by saying, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Mt 27:54).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Now, the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, seeing the earthquake and the things coming to pass, were violently affrighted, saying - Truly, God's Son, was, he!
Now, the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, seeing the earthquake and the things coming to pass, were violently affrighted, saying - Truly, God's Son, was, he!
And the centurion, beholding that which came to pass, began to glorify God, saying - In very deed, this man, was, righteous.
And the centurion, beholding that which came to pass, began to glorify God, saying - In very deed, this man, was, righteous.
And calling certain two of the centurions he said - Make ye ready two hundred soldiers, that they may journey as far as Caesarea, - and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, by the third hour of the night;
And calling certain two of the centurions he said - Make ye ready two hundred soldiers, that they may journey as far as Caesarea, - and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, by the third hour of the night;
and, on the morrow, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, returned to the castle, -
and, on the morrow, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, returned to the castle, -
giving orders unto the centurion, that he should be kept, and have a measure of liberty, and to be hindering, none, of his own from waiting upon him.
giving orders unto the centurion, that he should be kept, and have a measure of liberty, and to be hindering, none, of his own from waiting upon him.
Now, when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul, and certain other prisoners, unto a centurion by name Julius, of an Augustan band.
Now, when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul, and certain other prisoners, unto a centurion by name Julius, of an Augustan band.
and, on the next day, we put into Zidon, - and Julius, treating Paul, kindly, gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself;
and, on the next day, we put into Zidon, - and Julius, treating Paul, kindly, gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself; and, from thence putting out to sea, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary;
and, from thence putting out to sea, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary; and, sailing across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came down to Myra, a city of Lycia.
and, sailing across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came down to Myra, a city of Lycia. And the centurion, there, finding a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, put us therein.
And the centurion, there, finding a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, put us therein. And, for a good many days sailing slowly, and getting with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us to get on, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone;
And, for a good many days sailing slowly, and getting with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us to get on, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone; and, with difficulty coasting it, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near to which was the city of Lasea.
and, with difficulty coasting it, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near to which was the city of Lasea. And, when a considerable time had passed, and sailing was already dangerous, because, even the Fast, had already gone by, Paul began to advise,
And, when a considerable time had passed, and sailing was already dangerous, because, even the Fast, had already gone by, Paul began to advise, saying to them - Sirs! I perceive that, with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but even of our persons, shall the voyage certainly be attended.
saying to them - Sirs! I perceive that, with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but even of our persons, shall the voyage certainly be attended. But, the centurion, by the master, and by the shipowner, was more persuaded than by the things which, by Paul, were spoken.
But, the centurion, by the master, and by the shipowner, was more persuaded than by the things which, by Paul, were spoken. And, the harbour being, incommodious, to winter in, the more part, advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they might be able to reach Phoenix, to winter, which was a harbour of Crete, looking north-east and south-east.
And, the harbour being, incommodious, to winter in, the more part, advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they might be able to reach Phoenix, to winter, which was a harbour of Crete, looking north-east and south-east. And, a south wind blowing softly, supposing they had secured their purpose, weighing anchor, they began to sail close in shore along Crete.
And, a south wind blowing softly, supposing they had secured their purpose, weighing anchor, they began to sail close in shore along Crete. But, after no long time, there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, called Euraquilo, -
But, after no long time, there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, called Euraquilo, - and, the ship being caught and we not being able to bring her head to the wind, we let her go, and were borne along.
and, the ship being caught and we not being able to bring her head to the wind, we let her go, and were borne along. And, running under the lee, of some small island, called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to make ourselves masters of the boat, -
And, running under the lee, of some small island, called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to make ourselves masters of the boat, - which, hoisting up, they began to use, helps, under-girding the ship; and, fearing lest, on the sand-bank of Africa, they should run aground, lowering the gear, so, were they borne along.
which, hoisting up, they began to use, helps, under-girding the ship; and, fearing lest, on the sand-bank of Africa, they should run aground, lowering the gear, so, were they borne along. But, we being exceedingly tempest-tossed, on the next day, they began to throw cargo overboard;
But, we being exceedingly tempest-tossed, on the next day, they began to throw cargo overboard; and, on the third day, with their own hands, the tackling of the ship, they cast away.
and, on the third day, with their own hands, the tackling of the ship, they cast away. And, neither, sun nor stars, appearing for many days, and, no small tempest, lying upon us, in the end, all hope that we should be saved, began to be taken from us.
And, neither, sun nor stars, appearing for many days, and, no small tempest, lying upon us, in the end, all hope that we should be saved, began to be taken from us. But, when they had been, long without food, then, Paul, standing in the midst of them, said - Ye ought, indeed, Sir! yielding to me, not to have sailed away from Crete, to get this damage and loss. --
But, when they had been, long without food, then, Paul, standing in the midst of them, said - Ye ought, indeed, Sir! yielding to me, not to have sailed away from Crete, to get this damage and loss. -- And, now, I recommend you to be of good courage; for, loss of life, shall there be, none at all, from among you, - only the ship.
And, now, I recommend you to be of good courage; for, loss of life, shall there be, none at all, from among you, - only the ship. For there stood by me this night, belonging unto the God whose I am, unto whom also I am doing divine service, a messenger,
For there stood by me this night, belonging unto the God whose I am, unto whom also I am doing divine service, a messenger, saying - Be not afraid, Paul! for, before Caesar, must thou needs stand. And lo! God hath granted to thee as a favour, all them who are sailing with thee.
saying - Be not afraid, Paul! for, before Caesar, must thou needs stand. And lo! God hath granted to thee as a favour, all them who are sailing with thee. Wherefore, be of good courage, Sirs; for I believe in God - that, so, it shall be, according as it hath been told me.
Wherefore, be of good courage, Sirs; for I believe in God - that, so, it shall be, according as it hath been told me. Upon a certain island, however, must we needs be wrecked.
Upon a certain island, however, must we needs be wrecked. And, when, the fourteenth night, had come, and we were being driven to and fro in the Adriatic, about midnight, the sailors suspected that some country was, nearing, them;
And, when, the fourteenth night, had come, and we were being driven to and fro in the Adriatic, about midnight, the sailors suspected that some country was, nearing, them; and, sounding, they found twenty fathoms, - and, going a little further, and again sounding, they found fifteen fathoms.
and, sounding, they found twenty fathoms, - and, going a little further, and again sounding, they found fifteen fathoms. And, fearing lest haply, on rocky places, we should be wrecked, out of stern, cast they four anchors, - and began praying that day might dawn.
And, fearing lest haply, on rocky places, we should be wrecked, out of stern, cast they four anchors, - and began praying that day might dawn. But, when, the sailors, were seeking to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, by pretext, as though out of the prow they had been about to reach anchors,
But, when, the sailors, were seeking to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, by pretext, as though out of the prow they had been about to reach anchors, Paul said unto the centurion, and unto the soldiers - Except, these, abide in the ship, ye yourselves, cannot be saved!
Paul said unto the centurion, and unto the soldiers - Except, these, abide in the ship, ye yourselves, cannot be saved! Then, the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
Then, the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. And, until day was about to dawn, Paul continued to beseech one and all to take some food, saying - This day is, the fourteenth day, that, suspense, fasting, ye are completing, - having helped yourselves, to nothing.
And, until day was about to dawn, Paul continued to beseech one and all to take some food, saying - This day is, the fourteenth day, that, suspense, fasting, ye are completing, - having helped yourselves, to nothing. Wherefore, I beseech you to take some food, - for, this, lays a foundation for your safety; for, of no one of you, shall a hair of the head perish.
Wherefore, I beseech you to take some food, - for, this, lays a foundation for your safety; for, of no one of you, shall a hair of the head perish. And, having said these things, and taken a loaf, he gave thanks unto God before all, and, breaking it, began to eat.
And, having said these things, and taken a loaf, he gave thanks unto God before all, and, breaking it, began to eat. And, all becoming, of good cheer, they also, helped themselves to food.
And, all becoming, of good cheer, they also, helped themselves to food. Now we were, in the ship, in all, about seventy-six souls.
Now we were, in the ship, in all, about seventy-six souls. And, when they were satisfied with food, they began lightening the ship, casting out the wheat into the sea.
And, when they were satisfied with food, they began lightening the ship, casting out the wheat into the sea. And, when day came, they could not recognise, the land; but perceived, a certain bay, having a beach, - upon which they were minded, if they could, safely to bring the ship.
And, when day came, they could not recognise, the land; but perceived, a certain bay, having a beach, - upon which they were minded, if they could, safely to bring the ship. And, casting off the anchors, they let them go into the sea, - at the same time, loosening the lashings of the rudders, and, hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
And, casting off the anchors, they let them go into the sea, - at the same time, loosening the lashings of the rudders, and, hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. But, falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and, the foreship sticking fast, remained immoveable, while, the stern, began to break up, from the violence of the waves .
But, falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and, the foreship sticking fast, remained immoveable, while, the stern, began to break up, from the violence of the waves . Now, the soldiers counsel, turned out to be, that they should kill, the prisoners, lest any one should swim out and escape;
Now, the soldiers counsel, turned out to be, that they should kill, the prisoners, lest any one should swim out and escape; but, the centurion, being minded to bring Paul safely through, hindered them of their purpose, and ordered such as were able to swim, to cast themselves overboard and, get first to the land, -
Hastings
A centurion was a Roman military officer, corresponding in the number of infantry commanded by him (100) to the modern 'captain,' but in his status like our non-commissioned officers. The passage to the higher ranks was even more difficult in his case than it is amongst our non-commissioned officers. However, the chief centurion of a legion. known as the 'centurion of the first (chief) pike,' was sometimes promoted to the equestrian order. The Capernaum centurion (Mt 8:5-13; Lu 7:2-10) was probably in Herod's army, not in the Roman army strictly so called. Some of those mentioned in the NT were on special service in command of their units, and separated from the cohorts or legions of which they formed a part.
A. Souter.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, when he entered into Capernaum, there came near unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord! my servant, is laid prostrate in the house, a paralytic, fearfully tortured. read more. He saith unto him, I, will come and cure him. But the centurion, answering, said, Lord! I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldest enter, - but, only say with a word, and healed shall be my servant. For, I also, am a man setunder authority, having under myself, soldiers, - and I say to this one, Go! and he goeth, and to another, Come! and he cometh, and, to my servant, Do this! and he doeth it. Now Jesus, hearing, marveled, and said to them that followed, - Verily, I say unto you, With no one in Israel, such faith as this, have I found. But I say unto you, Many from east and west, will have come, and shall recline with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens; Whereas, the sons of the kingdom, shall be cast forth into the darkness outside, - There, will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Withdraw! and, as thou hast believed, be it done for thee. And healed was the servant in that hour.
And, a certain centurion's servant, being sick, was on the point of dying, - who was, by him, highly prized. But, hearing about Jesus, he sent forth unto him elders of the Jews, requesting him that he would come and bring his servant safely through. read more. And, they, coming near unto Jesus, began beseeching him earnestly, saying - Worthy, is he for whom thou mayest do this, for he loveth our nation, and, the synagogue, he, built for us. And, Jesus, was journeying with them. But, he, by this time, being not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying unto him - Lord! do not trouble thyself, for I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldst enter. Wherefore, neither deemed I, myself, worthy to come unto thee, - but speak with a word, and let my servant be healed. For, I too, am a man ranked, under authority, having, under myself, soldiers; and I say to this one - Go! and he goeth, - and to another - Come! and he cometh, - and to my servant - Do this! and he doeth it. And, hearing these things, Jesus marvelled at him; and, turning to the multitude following him, said - I tell you, Not even in Israel, such faith as this, have I found! And they who were sent, returning unto the house, found the servant, well.
Morish
An officer over (about) 100 men: they were promoted to this office because of their good conduct and trustworthiness, and it is to be remarked how often centurions are favourably noticed in the Gospels and the Acts. Mt 8:5-13; Lu 23:47; Ac 10:1,22; 27:6, etc.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, when he entered into Capernaum, there came near unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord! my servant, is laid prostrate in the house, a paralytic, fearfully tortured. read more. He saith unto him, I, will come and cure him. But the centurion, answering, said, Lord! I am of no consideration, that, under my roof, thou shouldest enter, - but, only say with a word, and healed shall be my servant. For, I also, am a man setunder authority, having under myself, soldiers, - and I say to this one, Go! and he goeth, and to another, Come! and he cometh, and, to my servant, Do this! and he doeth it. Now Jesus, hearing, marveled, and said to them that followed, - Verily, I say unto you, With no one in Israel, such faith as this, have I found. But I say unto you, Many from east and west, will have come, and shall recline with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens; Whereas, the sons of the kingdom, shall be cast forth into the darkness outside, - There, will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Withdraw! and, as thou hast believed, be it done for thee. And healed was the servant in that hour.
And the centurion, beholding that which came to pass, began to glorify God, saying - In very deed, this man, was, righteous.
But, a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion of the band called Italian, -
And they said - Cornelius, a centurion, a man righteous and fearing God, well-attested by the whole nation of the Jews, hath been divinely instructed by a holy messenger to send for thee unto his house, and to hear words from thee.
Smith
Centurion.
[ARMY]
See Army
Watsons
CENTURION, an officer in the Roman army, who, as the term indicates, had the command of a hundred men, Mt 8:5, &c.