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κεντυρίων (kenturiōn)

kenturiōn

centurion

G2760 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun kenturiōn refers to a centurion, a professional officer in the Roman army who typically commanded a cohort of roughly one hundred soldiers. The word is a direct borrowing from the Latin centurio, reflecting its origin in the military structure of the empire rather than native Greek terminology.

In the New Testament, this term appears in only three verses, all within the Gospel of Mark (15:39, 44–45). Matthew and Luke prefer the Greek equivalent hekatontarchos for the same rank. Its concentrated use in Mark highlights the specific role these officers played during the crucifixion narrative.

The theological weight of this word emerges in Mark 15:39, where a centurion stands at the foot of the cross. After witnessing Jesus’ death, he declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God." This moment is significant because it places a representative of the occupying Roman military power in a position of recognizing Jesus’ divine identity, contrasting sharply with the rejection by many Jewish leaders.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word kenturiōn points to a Roman officer, a man trained in discipline and authority within the empire’s military machine. In Mark’s Gospel, this title appears only three times, anchoring us firmly in the scene of the crucifixion. It is not a generic term for any soldier, but a specific reference to those who carried out the state’s power. By using this precise word, the text highlights the stark contrast between earthly authority and the humility of Jesus on the cross.

What makes this word significant is its use in Mark 15:39. Here, the centurion stands opposite Jesus, witnessing the manner of His death. In that moment, a man representing Rome’s might acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. This confession comes from outside the Jewish leadership, showing that divine truth can pierce through any barrier of culture or status.

For your faith, this reminds us that recognition of Christ is not limited by social rank or background. The centurion’s declaration invites you to see Jesus clearly, regardless of where you stand in life. It offers hope that God’s identity is revealed to those who look closely at His work, even when it looks like defeat to the world.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • centurion3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • κεντυρίωνος1×
  • κεντυρίωνα1×
  • κεντυρίων1×

Key Verses

  • Mark 15:39
    When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

    This occurrence matters because the centurion’s confession of Jesus as Son of God serves as the theological climax of Mark’s Gospel, validating Christ’s identity through a Gentile observer.

  • Mark 15:44
    Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.

    Here the word identifies the specific officer Pilate summons to verify death, highlighting the centurion’s role as an official witness to the event's conclusion.

  • Mark 15:45
    When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

    This reference shows the centurion confirming the facts of Jesus’ death to Pilate, enabling the release of the body and fulfilling the necessity of a proper burial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kenturiōn mean?

Kenturiōn is a Greek noun borrowed from Latin that means 'centurion.' It refers to a professional officer in the Roman army who typically commanded about one hundred soldiers. In the New Testament, it specifically identifies those involved in the crucifixion narrative.

Why does Mark use kenturiōn instead of hekatontarchos?

Mark uses kenturiōn to emphasize the Roman military context of Jesus’ death. While Matthew and Luke often use hekatontarchos, Mark’s choice highlights the specific role of these officers in witnessing the event. This distinction helps readers focus on the imperial power present at the cross.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

The word kenturiōn appears only three times, all in Mark 15:39, 44, and 45. These verses describe the centurion’s reaction to Jesus’ death, his verification of that death to Pilate, and the subsequent release of Jesus’ body for burial.

What is the significance of the centurion's statement?

The centurion’s statement in Mark 15:39 is significant because a representative of Rome acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. This confession comes from an outsider, contrasting with the rejection by Jewish leaders. It shows that divine truth is recognized even by those far from Israel's covenant.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Mark 3 verses
Mark 15:39

When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly…

Mark 15:44

Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been…

Mark 15:45

When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.