Lexical Summary Golgotha: Golgotha Original Word: Γολγοθᾶ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Golgotha. Of Chaldee origin (compare gulgoleth); the skull; Golgotha, a knoll near Jerusalem -- Golgotha. see HEBREW gulgoleth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Definition Golgotha, a hill near Jer. NASB Translation Golgotha (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1115: ΓολγοθᾶΓολγοθᾶ (Tr WH, or Γολγοθᾶ R G L T (see Tdf. Proleg., p. 102; Kautzsch, p. 10); also Γολγοθᾶ L WH marginal reading in John 19:17; accusative Γολγοθᾶν Tdf. in Mark 15:22 (WH Γολγοθᾶν, see their Appendix, p. 160), elsewhere indeclinable, Winers Grammar, 61 (60)), Golgotha, Chaldean גֻּלְגָלְתָא, Heb. גֻּלְגֹּלֶת (from גָּלַל to roll), i. e. κρανίον, a skull (Latincalvaria], the name of a place outside of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified; so called, apparently, because its form resembled a skull: Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17. Cf. Tobler, Golgatha. St. Gall. 1851; Furrer in Schenkel ii. 506ff; Keim, Jesus von Naz. iii. 404f; (Porter in Alex.'s Kitto under the word; F. Howe, The true Site of Calvary, N. Y., 1871). Topical Lexicon The Name and Its Meaning Golgotha is the Greek transliteration of an Aramaic term that designates “the Place of the Skull.” While the evangelists translate the title for their readers, they leave the Aramaic form intact, preserving its stark impact. The image of a skull evokes death, yet at this very site Jesus Christ accomplished the victory that secures eternal life for all who believe (John 3:16). Geographic Setting The Gospels situate Golgotha just outside the walls of first-century Jerusalem, accessible to passers-by (Matthew 27:39), and close enough to a garden tomb that Jesus could be buried there before sunset (John 19:41-42). Hebrews 13:12 highlights that the Lord “suffered outside the city gate,” underscoring the typological connection with sin offerings burned “outside the camp” (Leviticus 4:12). Traditional identification points to the area now enclosed by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, first dedicated in A.D. 335. An alternate location, popularly called the Garden Tomb, lies north of the Damascus Gate. Regardless of exact coordinates, the consistent testimony of Scripture is that the crucifixion occurred outside the city yet within ready view of onlookers, fulfilling prophetic patterns and ensuring public witness. Biblical Occurrences • Matthew 27:33 – “When they came to a place called Golgotha (meaning, The Place of the Skull)…” Each Gospel writer weaves Golgotha into the passion narrative, emphasizing unique thematic elements while affirming the shared historical event: – Matthew stresses royal mockery and fulfillment of Psalm 22. – Mark highlights abandonment and the cost of discipleship. – John presents Jesus as the enthroned King (“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” John 19:19), consciously directing events toward prophetic fulfillment (John 19:36-37). Theological Significance 1. Atonement Accomplished: At Golgotha, Jesus bore the sins of the world (1 Peter 2:24). The site therefore stands at the center of redemptive history, where divine justice and mercy meet. Historical Impact on Christian Worship Early believers viewed Golgotha with profound reverence. Pilgrims by the second century sought to visit the site, reinforcing the incarnational aspect of the faith—God acted in tangible space-time. Liturgical readings for Good Friday still center on the events that occurred there, and hymns such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” invite worshipers to contemplate Golgotha’s message. Archaeological and Apologetic Considerations Excavations beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reveal a first-century quarry reused as a place of execution—fitting the Gospel descriptions. Even where scholarly debates persist, the archaeological data consistently corroborate the New Testament framework: Roman executions were conducted outside the city gate, near major roads, and tombs were hewn in nearby limestone. Pastoral and Devotional Applications • Assurance of Salvation: Believers anchor their confidence not in personal merit but in the once-for-all sacrifice offered at Golgotha (Hebrews 10:12-14). Key Cross References Genesis 22:14; Isaiah 53:5-6; Psalm 22:16-18; Zechariah 12:10; John 3:14-15; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 13:12-13; 1 Peter 2:24. Summary Strong’s Greek 1115, Golgotha, marks both a geographical landmark and the decisive moment of salvation history. Situated just outside Jerusalem, its rocky elevation became the altar on which the Lamb of God was offered. From this Place of the Skull flows forgiveness, reconciliation, and the sure hope of resurrection life for all who place their faith in the crucified and risen Christ. Forms and Transliterations Γολγοθα Γολγοθά Γολγοθᾶ Γολγοθαν Γολγοθὰν Γολγοθᾶν γόμορ Golgotha Golgothá Golgothan GolgothànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:33 N-AFSGRK: τόπον λεγόμενον Γολγοθά ὅ ἐστιν NAS: called Golgotha, which KJV: a place called Golgotha, that is INT: a place called Golgotha which is Mark 15:22 N-AFS John 19:17 N-AFS Strong's Greek 1115 |
    |