4717. stauroó

Lexical Summary

stauroó: To crucify

Original Word: σταυρόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stauroó
Pronunciation: stow-ROH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (stow-ro'-o)
KJV: crucify
NASB: crucified, crucify, crucifixion
Word Origin: [from G4716 (σταυρός - cross)]

1. to impale on the cross, to crucify
2. (figuratively) to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

crucify.

From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness -- crucify.

see GREEK stauros

HELPS Word-studies

4717 stauróō – to crucify, literally used of the Romans crucifying Christ on a wooden cross. "Crucify" (4717 /stauróō) is also used figuratively of putting the old self to death by submitting all decisions (desires) to the Lord. This utterly and decisively rejects the decision to live independently from Him.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from stauros
Definition
to fence with stakes, to crucify
NASB Translation
crucified (29), crucifixion (1), crucify (16).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4717: σταυρόω

σταυρόω, σταυρῷ; future σταυρώσω; 1 aorist ἐσταυρωσα; passive, present σταύρομαι; perfect ἐσταύρωμαι; 1 aorist ἐσταυρωθην; (σταυρός, which see);

1. to stake, drive down stakes: Thucydides 7, 25, 6 (here οἱ Συρακοσιοι ἐσταύρωσαν, which the Scholiast renders σταυρους κατέπηξαν).

2. to fortify with driven stakes, to palisade: a place, Thucydides 6, 100; Diodorus

3. to crucify (Vulg.crucifigo): τινα,

a. properly: Matthew 20:19; Matthew 23:34; Matthew 26:2; Matthew 27:22,(),; ; Mark 15:13-15, 20, 24f, 27; Mark 16:6; Luke 23:21, 23, 33; Luke 24:7, 20; John 19:6, 10, 15f, 18, 20, 23, 41; Acts 2:36; Acts 4:10; 1 Corinthians 1:13, 23; 1 Corinthians 2:2,(8); 2 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 3:1; Revelation 11:8 (Additions to Esther 8:13 (34) [Esther 8:348:12r]; for תָּלָה, to hang, Esther 7:9. Polybius 1, 86, 4; Josephus, Antiquities 2, 5, 4; 17, 10, 10; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 53 and 56; in native Greek writings ἀνασταυρουν is more common).

b. metaphorically: τήν σάρκα, to crucify the flesh, destroy its power utterly (the nature of the figure implying that the destruction is attended with intense pain (but note the aorist)), Galatians 5:24; ἐσταύρωμαι τίνι, and ἐσταύρωται μοι τί, I have been crucified to something and it has been crucified to me, so that we are dead to each other all fellowship and contact between us has ceased, Galatians 6:14. (Compare: ἀνασταυρόω, σὑν᾿σταυρόω.)

Topical Lexicon

Scope of New Testament Usage

The verb appears forty–six times across the Greek New Testament, concentrated in four principal settings: (1) Christ’s own prophecies of His death (for example Matthew 20:19; 26:2), (2) the Gospel narratives that record the act itself (such as Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:25; Luke 23:33; John 19:18), (3) apostolic preaching that indicts hearers for the deed (Acts 2:36; Acts 4:10), and (4) theological reflection, especially in Paul, where the crucifixion anchors proclamation, ethics, and personal identity (1 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 5:24). A single eschatological occurrence in Revelation 11:8 ties the historical event to the consummation of all things.

Historical Background of Crucifixion

Under Roman rule crucifixion served as the most degrading public execution—reserved for slaves, rebels, and the vilest criminals. Victims were first scourged, then either tied or nailed to a wooden beam affixed to an upright stake, left to die by asphyxiation, shock, and exposure. This shameful punishment fulfilled the Old Testament curse on one “hung on a tree” and underscores both the depth of Christ’s humiliation and the magnitude of His love.

Prophetic Anticipation and Fulfillment

Jesus repeatedly foretold the manner of His death: “the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2). These predictions answer Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, demonstrating divine foreknowledge and sovereign purpose. Luke 24:7 records the angelic reminder that the crucifixion was “necessary,” anchoring redemption history in God’s eternal counsel.

Narrative Occurrences in the Gospels

The evangelists detail the event with sober precision:
• Mark 15:25—“It was the third hour when they crucified Him.”
• John 19:18—“There they crucified Him, and with Him two others.”

Crowd imperatives (“Crucify Him!” Matthew 27:22; John 19:15) expose human hostility, while the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19-20) reveals the irony of His royal identity. The narratives consistently portray the cross as both judicial miscarriage and saving act.

Apostolic Preaching and Accusations

Pentecost preaching confronts Israel: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). The same charge echoes before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:10). These sermons declare guilt yet immediately offer forgiveness through the risen, exalted Christ, affirming both human responsibility and divine grace.

Pauline Theology of the Cross

1 Corinthians 1–2 positions the crucified Messiah at the heart of the gospel: “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23); “I resolved to know nothing… except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). For Paul the cross is definitive for:
• Unity—“Was Paul crucified for you?” (1 Corinthians 1:13)
• Wisdom—contrasting God’s power with human philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:24)
• Soteriology—“He was crucified in weakness” yet lives by God’s power (2 Corinthians 13:4)

Cruciform Discipleship

Union with Christ’s death shapes Christian living. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). Boasting is redirected: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). The verb therefore extends beyond historical fact to ongoing sanctification.

Christological Significance

The crucifixion secures atonement, reconciliation, and victory over sin and Satan. The suffering Servant voluntarily bore the curse, satisfying divine justice while displaying perfect obedience. The cross thus stands as the decisive revelation of God’s righteousness and love.

Eschatological Reference

Revelation 11:8 links the past event to future judgment: the bodies of the two witnesses lie where “their Lord was also crucified,” a reminder that the city which rejected its Messiah will face ultimate accountability.

Implications for Ministry and Worship

Preaching, sacraments, and pastoral care draw their substance from the crucified Lord. Evangelism centers on the finished work of the cross; the Lord’s Supper proclaims His death “until He comes”; and personal counseling calls believers to nail sinful desires to the cross. Every sphere of church life finds power, motivation, and hope in the One who was crucified yet now lives forever.

Forms and Transliterations

εσταυρωθη εσταυρώθη ἐσταυρώθη εσταυρωμενον εσταυρωμένον εσταυρώμενον ἐσταυρωμένον εσταυρωμενος εσταυρωμένος ἐσταυρωμένος εσταυρωσαν εσταύρωσαν ἐσταύρωσαν εσταυρωσατε εσταυρώσατε ἐσταυρώσατε εσταυρωται εσταύρωται ἐσταύρωται Σταυρου Σταύρου σταυρουνται σταυρούνται σταυροῦνται σταυρούσι σταυρουσιν σταυροῦσιν σταυρωθη σταυρωθή σταυρωθῇ σταυρωθηναι σταυρωθήναι σταυρωθῆναι Σταυρωθητω Σταυρωθήτω σταυρωσαι σταυρώσαι σταυρώσαί σταυρῶσαι σταυρῶσαί σταυρωσαντες σταυρώσαντες σταυρωσατε σταυρώσατε σταυρωσετε σταυρώσετε Σταυρωσον Σταύρωσον σταυρωσω σταυρώσω σταυρωσωσιν σταυρώσωσιν σταφίδας σταφίδες σταφίδος σταφίδων estauromenon estauroménon estaurōmenon estaurōménon estauromenos estauroménos estaurōmenos estaurōménos estaurosan estaurōsan estaúrosan estaúrōsan estaurosate estaurōsate estaurṓsate estaurotai estaurōtai estaúrotai estaúrōtai estaurothe estaurōthē estaurṓthe estaurṓthē staurosai staurôsai staurôsaí staurōsai staurō̂sai staurō̂saí staurosantes staurōsantes staurṓsantes staurosate staurōsate staurṓsate staurosete staurōsete staurṓsete stauroso staurōsō staurṓso staurṓsō Stauroson Staurōson Staúroson Staúrōson staurososin staurōsōsin staurṓsosin staurṓsōsin staurothe staurōthē staurothêi staurōthē̂i staurothenai staurothênai staurōthēnai staurōthē̂nai Staurotheto Staurothḗto Staurōthētō Staurōthḗtō Staurou Staúrou staurountai stauroûntai staurousin stauroûsin

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 20:19 V-ANA
GRK: μαστιγῶσαι καὶ σταυρῶσαι καὶ τῇ
NAS: and scourge and crucify [Him], and on the third
KJV: and to crucify [him]: and
INT: to flog and to crucify and the

Matthew 23:34 V-FIA-2P
GRK: ἀποκτενεῖτε καὶ σταυρώσετε καὶ ἐξ
NAS: of them you will kill and crucify, and some
KJV: and crucify; and
INT: you will kill and crucify and [some] of

Matthew 26:2 V-ANP
GRK: εἰς τὸ σταυρωθῆναι
NAS: is [to be] handed over for crucifixion.
KJV: is betrayed to be crucified.
INT: over to be crucified

Matthew 27:22 V-AMP-3S
GRK: λέγουσιν πάντες Σταυρωθήτω
NAS: They all said, Crucify Him!
KJV: say unto him, Let him be crucified.
INT: They say all Let [him] be crucified

Matthew 27:23 V-AMP-3S
GRK: ἔκραζον λέγοντες Σταυρωθήτω
NAS: all the more, saying, Crucify Him!
KJV: saying, Let him be crucified.
INT: they cried out saying Let [him] be crucified

Matthew 27:26 V-ASP-3S
GRK: παρέδωκεν ἵνα σταυρωθῇ
NAS: he handed Him over to be crucified.
KJV: he delivered [him] to be crucified.
INT: he delivered up [him] that he might be crucified

Matthew 27:31 V-ANA
GRK: εἰς τὸ σταυρῶσαι
NAS: back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.
KJV: away to crucify [him].
INT: to crucify him

Matthew 27:35 V-APA-NMP
GRK: σταυρώσαντες δὲ αὐτὸν
NAS: And when they had crucified Him, they divided
KJV: And they crucified him, and parted
INT: having crucified moreover him

Matthew 27:38 V-PIM/P-3P
GRK: Τότε σταυροῦνται σὺν αὐτῷ
NAS: robbers were crucified with Him, one
KJV: thieves crucified with
INT: Then are crucified with him

Matthew 28:5 V-RPM/P-AMS
GRK: Ἰησοῦν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον ζητεῖτε
NAS: for Jesus who has been crucified.
KJV: Jesus, which was crucified.
INT: Jesus who has been crucified you seek

Mark 15:13 V-AMA-2S
GRK: πάλιν ἔκραξαν Σταύρωσον αὐτόν
NAS: They shouted back, Crucify Him!
KJV: they cried out again, Crucify him.
INT: back they cried out Crucify him

Mark 15:14 V-AMA-2S
GRK: περισσῶς ἔκραξαν Σταύρωσον αὐτόν
NAS: all the more, Crucify Him!
KJV: the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
INT: much more cried out Crucify him

Mark 15:15 V-ASP-3S
GRK: φραγελλώσας ἵνα σταυρωθῇ
NAS: he handed Him over to be crucified.
KJV: [him], to be crucified.
INT: having flogged [him] that he might be crucified

Mark 15:20 V-ASA-3P
GRK: αὐτὸν ἵνα σταυρώσωσιν αὐτόν
NAS: on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him.
KJV: out to crucify him.
INT: him that they might crucify him

Mark 15:24 V-PIA-3P
GRK: καὶ σταυροῦσιν αὐτὸν καὶ
NAS: And they crucified Him, and divided
KJV: And when they had crucified him,
INT: And having crucified him also

Mark 15:25 V-AIA-3P
GRK: τρίτη καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν
NAS: hour when they crucified Him.
KJV: hour, and they crucified him.
INT: third and they crucified him

Mark 15:27 V-PIA-3P
GRK: σὺν αὐτῷ σταυροῦσιν δύο λῃστάς
NAS: They crucified two robbers
KJV: with him they crucify two thieves;
INT: with him they crucify two robbers

Mark 16:6 V-RPM/P-AMS
GRK: Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον ἠγέρθη οὐκ
NAS: the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen;
KJV: which was crucified: he is risen;
INT: Nazarene who has been crucified He is risen not

Luke 23:21 V-PMA-2S
GRK: ἐπεφώνουν λέγοντες Σταύρου σταύρου αὐτόν
NAS: out, saying, Crucify, crucify
KJV: saying, Crucify [him], crucify
INT: they were crying out saying Crucify crucify him

Luke 23:21 V-PMA-2S
GRK: λέγοντες Σταύρου σταύρου αὐτόν
NAS: out, saying, Crucify, crucify Him!
KJV: saying, Crucify [him], crucify him.
INT: saying Crucify crucify him

Luke 23:23 V-ANP
GRK: αἰτούμενοι αὐτὸν σταυρωθῆναι καὶ κατίσχυον
NAS: asking that He be crucified. And their voices
KJV: that he might be crucified. And
INT: asking for him to be crucified And prevailed

Luke 23:33 V-AIA-3P
GRK: Κρανίον ἐκεῖ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτὸν καὶ
NAS: there they crucified Him and the criminals,
KJV: Calvary, there they crucified him, and
INT: The Skull there they crucified him and

Luke 24:7 V-ANP
GRK: ἁμαρτωλῶν καὶ σταυρωθῆναι καὶ τῇ
NAS: men, and be crucified, and the third
KJV: men, and be crucified, and the third
INT: sinful and to be crucified and the

Luke 24:20 V-AIA-3P
GRK: θανάτου καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν
NAS: of death, and crucified Him.
KJV: to death, and have crucified him.
INT: of death and crucified him

John 19:6 V-AMA-2S
GRK: ἐκραύγασαν λέγοντες Σταύρωσον σταύρωσον λέγει
NAS: out saying, Crucify, crucify!
KJV: saying, Crucify [him], crucify
INT: they cried out saying Crucify crucify Says

Strong's Greek 4717
46 Occurrences

ἐσταυρωμένον — 4 Occ.
ἐσταυρωμένος — 1 Occ.
ἐσταύρωσαν — 7 Occ.
ἐσταυρώσατε — 2 Occ.
ἐσταύρωται — 1 Occ.
ἐσταυρώθη — 5 Occ.
σταυρῶσαι — 3 Occ.
σταυρώσαντες — 1 Occ.
σταυρώσατε — 1 Occ.
σταυρώσετε — 1 Occ.
σταυρώσω — 1 Occ.
σταυρώσωσιν — 1 Occ.
Σταύρωσον — 5 Occ.
σταυρωθῇ — 3 Occ.
σταυρωθῆναι — 3 Occ.
Σταυρωθήτω — 2 Occ.
Σταύρου — 2 Occ.
σταυροῦνται — 1 Occ.
σταυροῦσιν — 2 Occ.