Matthew Chapter 27 · Verse 33
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
when they were come
G2064
ἐλθόντες
when they were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 11
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Τόπος
a place
G5117
Τόπος
a place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
4 of 11
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
λεγόμενος
called
G3004
λεγόμενος
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅς
that
G3739
ὅς
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
Golgotha was outside Jerusalem's walls (Hebrews 13:12), near a main road (Matthew 27:39) where executions served as public deterrents. The exact location is debated—tradition sites it at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, though the Garden Tomb is another possibility.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of Jesus dying outside the city gates (Hebrews 13:11-13)?
- How does the 'place of the skull' symbolically connect to Christ's victory over death?
Analysis & Commentary
A place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull (Γολγοθᾶ, ὅ ἐστιν Κρανίου Τόπος, Golgotha, ho estin Kraniou Topos)—Aramaic gulgalta, Hebrew gulgoleth, Latin Calvaria. The name likely derives from the skull-like appearance of the rocky hill, though later tradition held that Adam's skull was buried there.
Death's place receives the Death-Defeater. Where skulls signify mortality, Jesus will crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15) and destroy death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26). The place of the skull becomes the birthplace of resurrection hope.