Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5281 crucifixion

A most painful, cruel and protracted form of execution which involved the victim being roped or nailed to an elevated wooden cross. This form of execution was favoured by the Romans, who regarded it as a deterrent to political rebellion against the authority of Rome at the time of Jesus Christ.

The method of crucifixion

The victim was scourged before crucifixion

John 19:1 pp Matthew 27:26 pp Mark 15:15 pp Luke 23:22 See also Luke 23:16

The victim carried his cross

John 19:17

Jesus Christ, having already been scourged, was probably too weak to continue carrying the cross:

Matthew 27:32-33; Mark 15:21-22; Luke 23:26

The victim was fixed to the cross

Luke 23:33 pp Matthew 27:35 pp Mark 15:24 pp John 19:23 See also John 20:25

A charge board was fixed to the cross

Matthew 27:37 pp Mark 15:26 pp Luke 23:38 pp John 19:19

The victim's sufferings were protracted

Matthew 27:54 pp Mark 15:39 pp Luke 23:47 John 19:32-33,34 See also Mark 15:25,33,37

OT prophecies concerning Jesus Christ's crucifixion

Psalm 22:16-18

None of Jesus Christ's bones will be broken:

Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; John 19:36 Psalm 22:1,7-8; Psalm 69:21; Psalm 109:25; Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 53:5,9; Amos 8:9-10; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:6-7

Jesus Christ's predictions concerning the manner of his death

John 12:32-33 See also John 3:14; John 8:28; John 18:31-32

Responsibility for the crucifixion ascribed to Jews and Gentiles alike

1 Corinthians 2:8 See also John 19:15; Acts 2:23

The crucifixion involved a curse

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 See also Genesis 2:17; Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24

The crucifixion involved shame

Hebrews 12:2 See also 1 Corinthians 1:23; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 13:13

Believers are united with Jesus Christ in his crucifixion

Galatians 2:20 See also Romans 6:6

Crucifixion illustrates discipleship

Mark 8:34 pp Matthew 16:24 pp Luke 9:23 See also Matthew 10:38; Luke 14:27; Galatians 5:24; Galatians 6:14

The crucifixion is remembered in glory

Revelation 5:6 See also Revelation 1:7

See also

2412  cross, accounts of
2525  Christ, cross of
2530  Christ, death of
2545  Christ, opposition to
5827  curse
5947  shame
6614  atonement
6716  reconciliation
6744  sanctification
6754  union with Christ
7346  death penalty
8451  mortification