Strong's Lexicon stauros: Cross Original Word: σταυρός Word Origin: Derived from the base of the Greek verb ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning "to stand" or "to set up." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "stauros," as crucifixion was a Roman practice. However, the concept of a sacrificial offering can be linked to Hebrew terms like "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach, altar) and "קָרְבָּן" (korban, offering). Usage: In the New Testament, "stauros" primarily refers to the cross, an instrument of execution used by the Romans. It is most notably associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The term can also metaphorically represent the suffering, sacrifice, and discipleship required of believers, as seen in passages where Jesus calls His followers to "take up their cross." Cultural and Historical Background: The "stauros" was a common method of execution in the Roman Empire, reserved for the most severe criminals and slaves. It was a symbol of shame and suffering. However, in Christian theology, the cross transformed into a symbol of salvation, redemption, and the ultimate expression of God's love through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The early Christians redefined the cross from a symbol of disgrace to one of victory and hope. HELPS Word-studies 4716 staurós – the crosspiece of a Roman cross; the cross-beam (Latin, patibulum) placed at the top of the vertical member to form a capital "T." "This transverse beam was the one carried by the criminal" (Souter). Christ was crucified on a literal Roman cross (4716 /staurós). 4716 /staurós ("cross") is also used figuratively for the cross (sacrifice) each believer bears to be a true follower-of-Christ (Mt 10:38, 16:24, etc.). The cross represents unspeakable pain, humiliation and suffering – and ironically is also the symbol of infinite love! At the cross, Jesus won our salvation – which is free but certainly not cheap! For more discussion on the untold suffering of Christ on the cross see 4717 /stauróō ("to crucify on a cross"). [The "cross" (Mk 8:34) is not a symbol for suffering in general. Rather it refers to withstanding persecution (difficult times), by the Lord's power, as He directs the circumstances of life. As Christ's disciples, believers are to hold true – even when attacked by the ungodly.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as histémi Definition an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. instrument of crucifixion) NASB Translation cross (27). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4716: σταυρόςσταυρός, σταυροῦ, ὁ (from ἵστημι (root sta); cf. Latinstauro, English staff (see Skeat, Etymological Dictionary, under the word); Curtius, § 216; Vanicek, p. 1126); 1. an upright stake, especially a pointed one (Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon). 2. a cross; a. the well-known instrument of most cruel and ignominious punishment, borrowed by the Greeks and Romans from the Phoenicians; to it were affixed among the Romans, down to the time of Constantine the Great, the guiltiest criminals, particularly the basest slaves, robbers, the authors and abetters of insurrections, and occasionally in the provinces, at the arbitrary pleasure of the governors, upright and peaceable men also, and even Roman citizens themselves; cf. Winers RWB, under the word Kreuzigung; Merz in Herzog edition 1 ((cf. Schaff-Herzog) also Schultze in Herzog edition 2), under the word Kreuz; Keim, iii., p. 409ff. (English translation, vi. 138; BB. DD., see under the words, Cross, Crucifixion; O. Zöckler, Das Kreuz Christi (Gütersloh, 1875); English translation, Lond. 1878; Fulda, Das Kreuz u. d. Kreuzigung (Bresl. 1878); Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii. 582ff). This horrible punishment the innocent Jesus also suffered: Matthew 27:32, 40, 42; Mark 15:21, 30, 32; Luke 23:26; John 19:17, 19, 25, 31; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 12:2; θάνατος σταυροῦ, Philippians 2:8; τό αἷμα τοῦ σταυροῦ, blood shed on the cross; Colossians 1:20. b. equivalent to the crucifixion which Christ underwent: Galatians 5:11 (on which see σκάνδαλον, under the end); Ephesians 2:16; with the addition of τοῦ Χριστοῦ, 1 Corinthians 1:17; the saving power of his crucifixion, Philippians 3:18 (on which see ἐχθρός, at the end); Galatians 6:14; τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκεσθαι, to encounter persecution on account of one's avowed belief in the saving efficacy of Christ's crucifixion, Galatians 6:12; ὁ λόγος ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ, the doctrine concerning the saving power of the death on the cross endured by Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:18. The judicial usage which compelled those condemned to crucifixion themselves to carry the cross to the place of punishment (Plutarch, de sara numinis vindict. c. 9; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 56, cf. John 19:17), gave rise to the proverbial expression αἴρειν or λαμβάνειν or βαστάζειν τόν σταυρόν αὐτοῦ, which was usually used by those who, on behalf of God's cause, do not hesitate cheerfully and manfully to bear persecutions, troubles, distresses — thus recalling the fate of Christ and the spirit in which he encountered it (cf. Bleek, Synop. Erkl. der drei ersten Evangg. i, p. 439f): Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Mark 10:21 (R L in brackets); From the base of histemi; a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. Self-denial; by implication, the atonement of Christ -- cross. see GREEK histemi Englishman's Concordance Matthew 10:38 N-AMSGRK: λαμβάνει τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ NAS: does not take his cross and follow KJV: not his cross, and followeth INT: takes the cross of him and Matthew 16:24 N-AMS Matthew 27:32 N-AMS Matthew 27:40 N-GMS Matthew 27:42 N-GMS Mark 8:34 N-AMS Mark 15:21 N-AMS Mark 15:30 N-GMS Mark 15:32 N-GMS Luke 9:23 N-AMS Luke 14:27 N-AMS Luke 23:26 N-AMS John 19:17 N-AMS John 19:19 N-GMS John 19:25 N-DMS John 19:31 N-GMS 1 Corinthians 1:17 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 1:18 N-GMS Galatians 5:11 N-GMS Galatians 6:12 N-DMS Galatians 6:14 N-DMS Ephesians 2:16 N-GMS Philippians 2:8 N-GMS Philippians 3:18 N-GMS Colossians 1:20 N-GMS Strong's Greek 4716 |
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