Brief Overview of σταυρόω (Strong’s G4717: stauroō)

Strong’s G4717: A verb meaning “to crucify,” derived from σταυρός (cross). In New Testament usage, it primarily describes the physical act of crucifixion but also carries deep theological significance regarding Christ’s atoning death and the believer’s spiritual death to sin.

U- Unveiling the Word

σταυρόω represents both the brutal physical reality of Roman execution and profound spiritual truth. While technically describing the act of fixing someone to a cross, in the New Testament it becomes the central verb of salvation history, describing the means by which God reconciles humanity to Himself through Christ’s death. The early church saw in this word not only the historical event of Christ’s crucifixion but also the pattern for Christian life – dying to self and sin. Today, it continues to express both the objective historical reality of Christ’s sacrificial death and the subjective experience of the believer’s identification with that death.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σταυρόω, stauroō, stow-RO-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + ow (as in now) + ro (as in row) + oh (as in go)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From σταυρός (stauros) – cross
• -όω (-oō) suffix – forms verbs from nouns
• Indicates action of crucifying

D – Defining Meanings

• To crucify physically
• To nail to a cross
• To put to death by crucifixion
• To mortify (metaphorically)

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a denominative verb

Translation Options:

• “To crucify” – captures both literal and theological meaning
• “To nail to a cross” – emphasizes physical action
• “To put to death” – broader metaphorical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀνασταυρόω (anastauroō) [an-a-stow-RO-oh] – to crucify again – See G388
• συσταυρόω (systauroō) [soo-stow-RO-oh] – to crucify with – See G4957
• θανατόω (thanatoō) [than-a-TO-oh] – to put to death – See G2289

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect, Pluperfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: σταυρόω (I crucify)
• Aorist passive: ἐσταυρώθη (was crucified)
• Perfect passive: ἐσταύρωται (has been crucified)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s notes its development as technical term. LSJ documents rare pre-Christian usage. Vine’s highlights theological significance. Strong’s connects it to complete death. LEH traces Septuagint appearances. Moulton and Milligan show its specialized Christian usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 20:19: “and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify [σταυρόω]. And the third day He will rise again.”

Additional References:
Matthew 23:34, Matthew 26:2, Mark 15:13, Luke 23:21, John 19:6, Acts 2:36, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 2:20, Revelation 11:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σταυρόω encapsulates the heart of the gospel – the Messiah’s sacrificial death that brings life. It proclaims the good news that through His crucifixion, Jesus has conquered sin and death. This word challenges us to embrace both the historical reality of Christ’s death and its ongoing application in our lives through dying to sin and self.

D – Did You Know?

• The verb rarely appeared in Greek literature before Christianity
• It became so associated with Jesus that pagans often used it mockingly
• Early Christian art avoided depicting the actual crucifixion for several centuries

Strong’s G4717: A verb meaning “to crucify,” derived from σταυρός (cross). In New Testament usage, it primarily describes the physical act of crucifixion but also carries deep theological significance regarding Christ’s atoning death and the believer’s spiritual death to sin.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: crucifixion, death-of-Jesus, atonement, salvation, martyrdom, suffering, execution, Roman-punishment, sacrifice, redemption, passion-narrative, gospel-message, spiritual-death, mortification, cross-bearing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​