CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Sheriffs</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sheriffs.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/daniel/3-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/sheriffs.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Sheriffs</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/s/sheriff--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" title="Sheriff: General Scriptures Concerning">◄</a> Sheriffs <a href="/topical/s/sherifs.htm" title="Sherifs">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "sheriff" as understood in modern times does not appear directly in the text. However, the concept of law enforcement and local governance can be seen throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the roles of judges, elders, and other appointed officials who were responsible for maintaining order and justice within the community.<br><br><b>Biblical Context and Governance</b><br><br>The ancient Israelites had a system of governance that included various officials who performed duties similar to those of modern-day sheriffs. These roles were essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that the community adhered to the statutes given by God. The Book of Deuteronomy outlines the appointment of judges and officials: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly" (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18</a>). These judges and officials were tasked with upholding justice and righteousness, reflecting the divine order established by God.<br><br><b>Judges and Elders</b><br><br>The role of judges in Israel was crucial for the administration of justice. The Book of Judges details the lives of several leaders who were raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to guide them in righteousness. These judges acted as both military leaders and arbiters of disputes, ensuring that the laws of God were followed.<br><br>Elders also played a significant role in local governance. They were respected members of the community who provided counsel and made decisions on legal matters. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the town gate to meet with the elders to resolve a legal matter concerning land and marriage (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a>). This illustrates the elders' role in legal proceedings and community leadership.<br><br><b>Kings and Their Officials</b><br><br>During the monarchy, kings of Israel and Judah appointed officials to assist in governance. These officials, akin to modern-day sheriffs, were responsible for various administrative and judicial functions. King David, for example, appointed officials to oversee different aspects of his kingdom, ensuring that justice and order were maintained (<a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15-18</a>).<br><br><b>Roman Influence and New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, the Roman Empire's influence introduced a different system of governance. Roman officials, such as centurions and governors, were responsible for maintaining order and enforcing laws. While not directly equivalent to sheriffs, these officials played a similar role in upholding the law. The Apostle Paul, for instance, interacted with Roman officials during his ministry, as seen in <a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Acts 23:23-24</a>, where Roman soldiers are ordered to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the specific title of "sheriff" is not found in the Bible, the Scriptures provide a framework for understanding the roles and responsibilities of those tasked with maintaining law and order. From the judges and elders of ancient Israel to the officials of the Roman Empire, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of governance that emphasizes justice, righteousness, and adherence to God's commandments.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>(<a href="/daniel/3-2.htm">Dan. 3:2</a>), Babylonian officers. <a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/hayward/the_book_of_religions/non-resistants.htm"><span class="l">Non-Resistants.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> as the inhabitant of a town, county, state, or nation; hence he cannot delegate<br> any such right to others, called legislators, magistrates, judges, <b>sheriffs</b>, &c <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/non-resistants.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_16_1870/sinners_bound_with_the_cords.htm"><span class="l">Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Sin, then, becomes first a net to hold the sinner by the force of custom and habit,<br> and afterwards, a <b>sheriffs</b> officer to arrest him, and to scourge him with <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 16 1870/sinners bound with the cords.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/sinners_bound_with_the_cords.htm"><span class="l">Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Sin then, becomes first a net to hold the sinner by the force of custom and habit,<br> and afterwards a <b>sheriffs</b> officer to arrest him and to scourge him with its <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/sinners bound with the cords.htm</font><p><a href="/library/arminius/the_works_of_james_arminius_vol_1/dedication.htm"><span class="l">Dedication</span></a> <br><b>...</b> To those most honourable and Prudent Gentlemen, the Burgomaster, Aldermen, and <b>Sheriffs</b>,<br> who are the very Worthy Magistrates of the Famous City of Leyden, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/dedication.htm</font><p><a href="/library/howie/biographia_scoticana_scots_worthies/the_life_of_mr_james_6.htm"><span class="l">The Life of Mr. James Renwick.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> him, commanding all to give him no reset or supply, nor furnish him with meat, drink,<br> house, harbour or any thing useful to him; requiring all <b>sheriffs</b> &c. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/an_appeal_to_children_of.htm"><span class="l">An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And the <b>sheriffs</b> with their brooches; I have a lively recollection of the enormous<br> size to which those ornaments attain; and they take care to wear them too. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/greene/the_development_of_religious_liberty_in_connecticut/chapter_xv_disestablishment.htm"><span class="l">Disestablishment</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the lower courts, justices of the peace, were still to be appointed annually<br> by the legislature, and to it the appointment of the <b>sheriffs</b> was transferred. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_10_1864/baptismal_regeneration.htm"><span class="l">Baptismal Regeneration</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Our <b>sheriffs</b> have much to answer for when they officiate at the execution of the<br> children of God, and suspend the members of Christ on the gallows! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/baptismal regeneration.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/on_the_priesthood/homily_iv_an_exhortation_to.htm"><span class="l">An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> For "Nebuchadnezzar," it says, "sent to gather together the princes, the governors,<br> and the captains, the judges, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all the rulers of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lawlor/st_bernard_of_clairvauxs_life_of_st_malachy_of_armagh/chapter_v_the_roman_pilgrimage_.htm"><span class="l">The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> August 22, 1138), and probably not long before this visit of Malachy, he had been<br> reconciled after a long estrangement (Agnew, Hereditary <b>Sheriffs</b> of Galloway <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter v the roman pilgrimage .htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/sheriffs.htm"><span class="l"><b>Sheriffs</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary (Dan. 3:2), Babylonian officers. Multi-Version Concordance<br><b>Sheriffs</b> (2 Occurrences). Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sheriffs.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/treasurers.htm"><span class="l">Treasurers (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the<br> governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/treasurers.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/deputies.htm"><span class="l">Deputies (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the<br> governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/deputies.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/magistrates.htm"><span class="l">Magistrates (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the<br> honourable judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/magistrates.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/provincial.htm"><span class="l">Provincial (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the<br> honourable judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/provincial.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/prefects.htm"><span class="l">Prefects (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the<br> judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all the rulers of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/prefects.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/counsellors.htm"><span class="l">Counsellors (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the<br> judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all the rulers of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/counsellors.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/counselors.htm"><span class="l">Counselors (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the<br> governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/counselors.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/advisers.htm"><span class="l">Advisers (22 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the<br> governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/advisers.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/satraps.htm"><span class="l">Satraps (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the<br> governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <b>sheriffs</b>, and all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/satraps.htm - 11k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-Bible.html">What is the Matthew Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Sheriffs (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-2.htm">Daniel 3:2</a></span><br />Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <span class="boldtext">sheriffs</span>, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-3.htm">Daniel 3:3</a></span><br />Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the <span class="boldtext">sheriffs</span>, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/sheriffs.htm">Sheriffs</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/convene.htm">Convene (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheriffs.htm">Sheriffs (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheruhen.htm">Sheruhen (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah (802 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingdom.htm">Kingdom (409 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/s/sheriff--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Sheriff: General Scriptures Concerning"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Sheriff: General Scriptures Concerning" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/sherifs.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Sherifs"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Sherifs" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>