4716. stauros
Lexical Summary
stauros: Cross

Original Word: σταυρός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: stauros
Pronunciation: stow-ros'
Phonetic Spelling: (stow-ros')
KJV: cross
NASB: cross
Word Origin: [from the base of G2476 (ἵστημι - standing)]

1. a stake or post (as set upright)
2. (specially) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment)
3. (figuratively) exposure to death, i.e. self-denial
4. (by implication) the atonement of Christ

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
cross.

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

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 Origin
from 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: σταυρός

σταυρός, σταυροῦ, (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; λόγος 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); ; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27.

Topical Lexicon
Central Idea

The Greek term behind “cross” denotes the wooden instrument of Roman execution that became the focal point of redemptive history. In the New Testament its 27 appearances cluster around three themes: the historical crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the saving efficacy of that event, and the ongoing call to discipleship.

Historical Background

By the first century the Romans reserved crucifixion for slaves, insurrectionists, and the most despised criminals. Victims were forced to carry the transverse beam to the place of execution, were affixed by nails or cords, and left exposed until death. This public shame magnified the horror of Jesus’ death (Hebrews 12:2) and underscores Paul’s insistence that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

Prophetic Preparation

While the term itself does not appear in the Old Testament, foreshadowings abound. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant is “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5), and Psalm 22 anticipates the physical agony and public derision later echoed in the Gospel passion narratives (compare Psalm 22:7–8 with Matthew 27:40, 42).

The Cross in the Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each record the historic event:
• Forced bearing of the beam (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John 19:17).
• Public mockery: “You who would destroy the temple… come down from the cross” (Mark 15:30).
• The written charge over Jesus: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).

John alone adds the notice that the Jews sought the removal of the bodies so that “the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath” (John 19:31).

Call to Discipleship

Five times Jesus declares that following Him demands personal identification with the cross:

“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38).

“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23).

The imagery is radical self-surrender—embracing shame, suffering, and even death for Christ’s sake.

Pauline Theology

Paul redirects boasting, reconciliation, and identity to the cross:
• Saving Power: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
• Exclusive Boast: “Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
• Legal Transaction: God “canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
• Corporate Peace: Jew and Gentile are made “one body to God through the cross” (Ephesians 2:16).
• Cosmic Reconciliation: Peace is made “through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).

Offense and Opposition

The cross provokes hostility precisely because it nullifies human merit. Paul speaks of “the offense of the cross” (Galatians 5:11) and warns the Philippians of “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18). Those who fear persecution “compel you to be circumcised… only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12).

Christological Significance

Philippians 2:8 captures the paradox: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” The cross is therefore both the nadir of humiliation and the pathway to exaltation (Philippians 2:9). Hebrews exhorts believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2).

Ethical and Pastoral Implications

1. Self-Denial: The disciple’s daily willingness to lose life for Christ’s sake.
2. Unity: Ethnic, social, and cultural barriers are dismantled at the cross (Ephesians 2:16).
3. Hope in Suffering: Identification with Christ’s cross frames all affliction within the victory of resurrection.

Liturgical and Missional Usage

Preaching centers on “Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Baptism symbolizes union with the crucified and risen Lord (Romans 6:3-4), while the Lord’s Supper proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The missionary task is defined as “not to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17).

Summary Themes

• Historical reality of Jesus’ crucifixion.
• Atoning sacrifice accomplishing forgiveness, reconciliation, and cosmic peace.
• Continuous call to self-denying discipleship.
• Centrality of the cross in proclamation, worship, and ethics.

Forms and Transliterations
σταυρον σταυρόν σταυρὸν σταυρος σταυρός σταυρὸς σταυρου σταυρού σταυροῦ σταυρω σταυρώ σταυρῷ stauro staurō staurôi staurō̂i stauron stauròn stauros stauròs staurou stauroû
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 10:38 N-AMS
GRK: 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
GRK: ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: and take up his cross and follow
KJV: take up his cross, and follow
INT: let him take up the cross of him and

Matthew 27:32 N-AMS
GRK: ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ
NAS: to bear His cross.
KJV: bear his cross.
INT: he might carry the cross of him

Matthew 27:40 N-GMS
GRK: ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ
NAS: of God, come down from the cross.
KJV: come down from the cross.
INT: from the cross

Matthew 27:42 N-GMS
GRK: ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ καὶ πιστεύσομεν
NAS: come down from the cross, and we will believe
KJV: from the cross, and
INT: from the cross and we will believe

Mark 8:34 N-AMS
GRK: ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: and take up his cross and follow
KJV: take up his cross, and follow
INT: let him take up the cross of him and

Mark 15:21 N-AMS
GRK: ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ
NAS: and Rufus), to bear His cross.
KJV: bear his cross.
INT: he might carry the cross of him

Mark 15:30 N-GMS
GRK: ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ
NAS: and come down from the cross!
KJV: come down from the cross.
INT: from the cross

Mark 15:32 N-GMS
GRK: ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ ἵνα ἴδωμεν
NAS: come down from the cross, so
KJV: now from the cross, that we may see
INT: from the cross that we might see

Luke 9:23 N-AMS
GRK: ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καθ'
NAS: and take up his cross daily
KJV: take up his cross daily, and
INT: let him take up the cross of him every

Luke 14:27 N-AMS
GRK: βαστάζει τὸν σταυρὸν ἑαυτοῦ καὶ
NAS: his own cross and come
KJV: bear his cross, and come
INT: carries the cross of themselves and

Luke 23:26 N-AMS
GRK: αὐτῷ τὸν σταυρὸν φέρειν ὄπισθεν
NAS: and placed on him the cross to carry
KJV: they laid the cross, that he might bear
INT: him the cross to carry [it] behind

John 19:17 N-AMS
GRK: ἑαυτῷ τὸν σταυρὸν ἐξῆλθεν εἰς
NAS: His own cross, to the place called
KJV: he bearing his cross went forth into
INT: [his] own cross he went out to

John 19:19 N-GMS
GRK: ἐπὶ τοῦ σταυροῦ ἦν δὲ
NAS: and put it on the cross. It was written,
KJV: put [it] on the cross. And the writing
INT: on the cross it was moreover

John 19:25 N-DMS
GRK: παρὰ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ
NAS: But standing by the cross of Jesus
KJV: there stood by the cross of Jesus his
INT: by the cross of Jesus

John 19:31 N-GMS
GRK: ἐπὶ τοῦ σταυροῦ τὰ σώματα
NAS: would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath
KJV: upon the cross on
INT: on the cross the bodies

1 Corinthians 1:17 N-NMS
GRK: κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ χριστοῦ
NAS: so that the cross of Christ
KJV: lest the cross of Christ
INT: be emptied of power the cross of the Christ

1 Corinthians 1:18 N-GMS
GRK: ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῖς μὲν
NAS: For the word of the cross is foolishness
KJV: the preaching of the cross is
INT: of the cross to those indeed

Galatians 5:11 N-GMS
GRK: σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ
NAS: the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.
KJV: is the offence of the cross ceased.
INT: offense of the cross

Galatians 6:12 N-DMS
GRK: ἵνα τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ χριστοῦ
NAS: that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
KJV: they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
INT: that for the cross of Christ

Galatians 6:14 N-DMS
GRK: ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου
NAS: except in the cross of our Lord
KJV: save in the cross of our Lord
INT: in the cross of the Lord

Ephesians 2:16 N-GMS
GRK: διὰ τοῦ σταυροῦ ἀποκτείνας τὴν
NAS: through the cross, by it having put to death
KJV: by the cross, having slain
INT: through the cross having slain the

Philippians 2:8 N-GMS
GRK: θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ
NAS: even death on a cross.
KJV: even the death of the cross.
INT: of death moreover of [the] cross

Philippians 3:18 N-GMS
GRK: ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ χριστοῦ
NAS: [that they are] enemies of the cross of Christ,
KJV: [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:
INT: enemies of the cross of Christ

Colossians 1:20 N-GMS
GRK: αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ δι'
NAS: the blood of His cross; through
KJV: the blood of his cross, by him
INT: blood of the cross of him by

Strong's Greek 4716
27 Occurrences


σταυρῷ — 4 Occ.
σταυρὸν — 10 Occ.
σταυρὸς — 1 Occ.
σταυροῦ — 12 Occ.

4715
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