Crucify

Greek word - (stauroo G4717)

Quiz - Choose the answer that is closest to what you think CRUCIFY is.
A - nail to a cross
B - execute
C - treat cruelly
D - criticize

Problem - Outdated

KJV Example - "And they cried out again, Crucify him." (Mark 15:13)

Explanation

In Greek the word for crucify (stauroo) is the verb of cross (stauros). So when the Jews yelled, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him" they were literally yelling, "Cross Him! Cross Him!"

In English we have to add some words for that to make sense. We would say, "Nail Him to a cross", "Put Him on a cross," or "Execute Him on a cross."

The English word, crucify, comes from the same Latin word that crucifix comes from. Before the Bible was in English, it was in Latin. When the first English Bible was translated from Latin in 1395, crucify suddenly appeared in the English language.

The Greek word for cross (stauros) can be a cross or a pointed pole that is used to execute people.

So stauroo, the verb, the Greek word for crucify, can mean to nail someone to a cross or to impale someone on a pole.

Through the centuries, the English word, crucify, has broadened its scope of meaning. Now it also means to treat with gross injustice and to subdue. This has muddied its meaning. Today, the average reader does not know what it means or that in Greek it is the verb of cross. Nail to a cross is easier to understand and more specific.

In the Bible, crucify is nail to a cross.

Modern Synonym - nail to a cross

Bible Version Tally (how other versions translate this word) - crucify (44 of 50), nail to a cross (4 of 50)

Breakthrough Version - "They again yelled, 'Nail Him to a cross.'" (Mark 15:13)