The most painful and the most degrading capital punishment, reserved for the worst crimes and for the lowest class of people. The Romans used a short beam fastened to a long upright one, on which was placed a piece of wood for the feet to rest on. Nails were driven through the hands and feet; but historians say that sometimes the feet were only tied. The torture was dreadful, and the thirst great; but in some cases life lasted three days, none of the vital parts being reached. The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus and of the two malefactors are the only cases named in scripture: crucifixion was not practised by the Jews. A stupefying draught was given to the prisoners, but the Lord refused it. He would drink the bitter cup to the dregs. It is clear from scripture, by His crying with a loud voice just before His death, that as stated in John's gospel (John 10:18 ) He gave up His life. Luke 23:46; John 19:30 . The Lord referred to the manner of His death as being lifted up out of the earth, so that death by stoning would not have answered to this. John 3:14; John 8:28; John 12:32 . We also read that He was made a curse for us; for "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:23 . Thus did the blessed Lord in saving rebellious man go down to the very lowest form of death.

The crucifixion is used metaphorically to instruct those who are associated with Christ: of believers it is said their 'old man' is crucified with Him. Romans 6:6 . Paul could say that he was crucified with Christ; and that by Christ the world was crucified to him, and he to the world. Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14 . He accepted the judgement of himself in the cross, and he was cut off from the world by the same means.

Bibliography Information
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Crucifixion'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/c/crucifixion.html. 1897.

Bible Dictionaries Crucifixion

Morrish Bible Dictionary

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Crucifixion