Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
OF'FICER, the translation of several Hebrew and Greek words. The commonest in the O.T. is the term meaning "scribe who keeps registers and tables." Ex 5:14. The N.T. words relate to legal functionaries: (1) Bailiffs, Matt 5:25; John 7:32, Gen 41:45; Acts 5:22; (2) Those who register and collect the fines imposed by courts of justice. Luke 12:58.