captain

A leader, usually of a military detachment. Several different Hebrew and Greek words can be translated as “captain,” “officer,” “ruler,” or “leader.” Such persons could be in charge of specified groups ranging from tens to thousands (Exod 18:21) and their duties included military authority, civil administration, and judicial responsibilities. The NT contains several references to such officers (Mark 6:21; Luke 22:4; Acts 4:1; Acts 5:26; Acts 27:11).