Understanding ἀνασταυρόω (anastauroo) Strong’s G388: The Profound Greek Word for Crucifying Again that Illuminates the Severity of Apostasy

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-stow-ROH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G388: ἀνασταυρόω describes the act of crucifying again or re-crucifying, combining the preposition ἀνά (again, up) with σταυρόω (to crucify). In its New Testament usage, it specifically relates to the theological concept of apostasy where one metaphorically re-crucifies the Messiah through deliberate rejection after having known Him. This compound word carries intense theological weight regarding the severity of turning away from faith in Yeshua (Jesus).

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + σταυρόω (to crucify)
• Primary usage in teaching passages about apostasy
• Only appears once in the New Testament
• Intensified form of σταυρόω emphasizing repetition
• Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in ancient literature

ἀνασταυρόω Morphology:

• ἀνασταυρόω (present active infinitive) – to crucify again
• ἀνασταυροῦντας (present active participle accusative plural masculine) – crucifying again
• ἀνασταυρῶσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have crucified again

Origin & History

The word ἀνασταυρόω appears in classical Greek literature primarily in historical accounts of Persian execution practices. Herodotus uses it in his Histories (3.125) when describing the fate of Polycrates at the hands of the Persians. The prefix ἀνά could indicate either “up” (lifting up on a cross) or “again” (re-crucifying), though in Hellenistic usage it predominantly carried the sense of repetition.

In the Septuagint, while σταυρόω appears in various contexts of execution, ἀνασταυρόω is notably absent, making its New Testament usage particularly significant. Early church fathers like Origen (Commentary on John) and Chrysostom (Homilies on Hebrews) emphasized its unique theological weight in discussing apostasy.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To crucify again or afresh
• To lift up and nail to a cross
• To publicly expose to shame through re-crucifixion
• To completely repudiate one’s prior confession of faith

ἀνασταυρόω Translation Options:

• “Crucify again” – Emphasizes the repetitive nature implied by ἀνά
• “Re-crucify” – Captures the compound meaning most directly
• “Crucify afresh” – Traditional rendering highlighting renewed action
• “Nail up again” – More literal translation of physical action implied

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀνασταυρόω in Hebrews 6:6 presents it in a severe warning about apostasy. The author employs this intense compound word to illustrate the gravity of deliberately rejecting the Messiah after having experienced His grace. The present participle form used suggests an ongoing action, emphasizing the deliberate and continuous nature of this rejection.

This usage should be understood in connection with other warnings in Hebrews about falling away (Hebrews 2:1-4, Hebrews 3:12-14, Hebrews 10:26-31) and the book’s overall theme of perseverance in faith.

• “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened…if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying again [ἀνασταυροῦντας] the Son of God” Hebrews 6:6

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, crucifixion was not only a method of execution but also a means of public shame and deterrence. The Romans reserved crucifixion primarily for slaves and enemies of the state, making it particularly horrifying to the original Jewish readers of Hebrews that anyone would metaphorically subject the Messiah to such shame again.

The concept would have been especially poignant to first-century Jewish believers who had already faced persecution for their faith in Yeshua. The imagery of re-crucifixion would have evoked memories of their own participation in the public recognition of Yeshua as Messiah and the serious implications of turning back from that confession.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνασταυρόω in Hebrews 6:6 underscores the finality and sufficiency of Messiah’s sacrifice. The warning suggests that to turn away from this completed work is to declare it insufficient, thereby metaphorically subjecting the Son of God to the shame of crucifixion again. This highlights both the completeness of Yeshua’s atoning work and the severity of rejecting it after having known its power.

The word choice also emphasizes the public nature of apostasy – just as Messiah’s crucifixion was a public event, the act of turning away from Him constitutes a public repudiation of His lordship. This connects to the broader theological themes in Hebrews about the superiority of Messiah’s priesthood and the finality of His sacrifice.

The present tense used in the original text suggests this is not about temporary doubts or struggles but rather a settled, continuous rejection of Messiah, highlighting יהוה (Yahweh)’s patience and desire for repentance while warning of the serious consequences of persistent unbelief.

Personal Application

This word study should prompt us to examine our own walk with the Messiah carefully. While the passage isn’t about temporary doubts or struggles that all believers face, it calls us to recognize the preciousness of our salvation and the importance of persevering in faith. The gravity of ἀνασταυρόω reminds us that our response to God’s grace matters deeply.

When we face trials or doubts, we can remember that occasional struggles differ vastly from the deliberate, ongoing rejection described by this word. This understanding should lead us to hold fast to our faith while extending grace to fellow believers who may be struggling, always pointing them back to the sufficiency of Messiah’s completed work on the cross.

Related Words

• σταυρόω (stauró-ō) – to crucify; the base word without the intensive prefix, focusing on the basic act of crucifixion See G4717
• παραπίπτω (parapiptō) – to fall away; used in the context of apostasy but without the specific crucifixion imagery See G3895
• ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō) – to turn away; describes the action of turning from faith but without the intensity of re-crucifixion See G654
• παραδειγματίζω (paradeigmatizō) – to make a public example; carries similar connotations of public shame See G3856

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀνασταυρόω (ἀνά + σταυρόω) is unique in biblical Greek, appearing only once in the New Testament, making it one of the most specialized terms for apostasy in scripture.
• In ancient Persian practice, as recorded by Herodotus, ἀνασταυρόω was used to describe the practice of displaying executed criminals on stakes as a warning to others, showing how the word carried strong connotations of public shame and warning.
• The present tense participle used in Hebrews 6:6 (ἀνασταυροῦντας) suggests an ongoing action rather than a single event, highlighting that the text addresses a settled rejection of faith rather than momentary doubts or struggles.

Remember This

ἀνασταυρόω stands as a solemn reminder that our response to God’s grace carries eternal significance, calling us not to take lightly the precious gift of salvation secured through Messiah’s once-for-all sacrifice.