John 19:17
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαστάζων
he bearing
G941
βαστάζων
he bearing
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
2 of 15
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυρὸν
cross
G4716
σταυρὸν
cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
4 of 15
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.,
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγεται
called
G3004
λέγεται
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τόπον
a place
G5117
Τόπον
a place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
11 of 15
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγεται
called
G3004
λέγεται
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Luke 23:33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.Luke 14:27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.Luke 23:26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.Acts 7:58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.Mark 15:32Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Historical Context
Golgotha was outside Jerusalem's walls (Hebrews 13:12), as required by Jewish law—executions occurred outside the city to prevent defilement. The site was probably along a major road for maximum public visibility. Church tradition identifies it with the present Church of the Holy Sepulchre, though Gordon's Calvary is an alternative site. Wherever its precise location, Golgotha became history's hinge-point.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus literally bearing the cross reveal about His willing acceptance of suffering for us?
- How does the location 'outside the camp' connect to Levitical sacrifice and our call to bear His reproach (Hebrews 13:13)?
- What significance do you see in the 'place of a skull' becoming the site of resurrection victory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He bearing his cross (βαστάζων ἑαυτῷ τὸν σταυρόν/bastazōn heautō ton stauron)—the participle bastazōn means carrying, bearing as a burden. What He told disciples to do (Luke 9:23), He does literally. The cross He bears is simultaneously wooden timber and cosmic weight—the sin of the world (1 John 2:2).
Went forth (ἐξῆλθεν/exēlthen) echoes His going forth from the Father (16:28) and going out to the garden (18:1). Each 'going forth' moves Him toward the appointed hour. The destination: place of a skull (Κρανίου Τόπον/Kraniou Topon), in Hebrew Golgotha (Γολγοθᾶ/Golgotha), from Aramaic gulgalta (skull). Why 'skull'? Perhaps the hill's shape, or tradition that Adam's skull was buried there—fitting symbolism, as the second Adam dies where the first Adam's race was buried.