### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **práktōr**, represented by `{{G4233}}`, refers to an **officer** or an official collector. It appears **2 times** in **1 unique verses**, highlighting its specific role within the context of legal proceedings in scripture. This term designates an official tasked with carrying out a sentence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G4233}}` is used twice within a parable illustrating the consequences of failing to settle a dispute. The passage describes a sequence where an individual is taken by an **adversary** `{{G476}}` to a **judge** `{{G2923}}`. If the matter isn't resolved, the **judge** then delivers the person to the **officer** `{{G4233}}`, who in turn is responsible for casting them into **prison** `{{G5438}}` [[Luke 12:58]]. The **officer** acts as the final agent of legal enforcement in this chain of events.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the legal and procedural context of **práktōr**:
* `{{G476}}` **antídikos** (an opponent (in a lawsuit)): This is the **adversary** who initiates the legal action that leads to judgment. The word appears in the warning to agree with one's **adversary** quickly [[Luke 12:58]].
* `{{G2923}}` **kritḗs** (a judge): This is the authority figure who makes the legal decision and then delivers the individual to the **officer** `{{G4233}}` for enforcement [[Luke 12:58]].
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit): This word describes the critical action of transfer, as the **judge** will **deliver** the person to the **officer** [[Luke 12:58]].
* `{{G5438}}` **phylakḗ** (prison): This is the place of confinement where the **officer** casts the individual, representing the tangible outcome of the judgment [[Luke 12:58]]. The term can also mean a guard, ward, or cage [[Revelation 18:2]].
* `{{G906}}` **bállō** (to throw): This verb describes the specific action taken by the **officer**, who will **cast** the person into prison [[Luke 12:58]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4233}}` is primarily illustrative, showing a clear principle of cause and effect within a legal framework.
* **Judicial Sequence:** The term functions within a clear progression of accountability: a dispute with an **adversary** `{{G476}}` leads to a **magistrate** `{{G758}}`, then a **judge** `{{G2923}}`, whose verdict is carried out by the **officer** `{{G4233}}` [[Luke 12:58]].
* **Enforcement of Judgment:** The **officer** embodies the execution of a sentence. This role separates the act of judging from the act of enforcement, highlighting the finality of the court's decision.
* **Imminent Consequence:** In the context of [[Luke 12:58]], the **officer** represents the unavoidable outcome that one should strive to avoid through reconciliation. The presence of the **officer** in the sequence serves as a warning to settle matters diligently.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4233}}` **práktōr** is a specific term for an **officer** who executes a legal judgment. Though used only in a single verse, its role is pivotal in illustrating a sequence of legal accountability. It defines the character who enforces the sentence of a **judge**, casting the condemned into **prison** [[Luke 12:58]]. Thus, **práktōr** serves as a key component in a biblical warning about the serious consequences of unresolved conflict.
TRV