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σταυρόω

stauróō

G4717 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

to fasten or execute by nailing or binding to a stake or upright beam, especially as a method of execution; in extended or metaphorical contexts, to put to death, suppress, or render powerless (e.g., passion or desire). The core sense is execution by affixion to a cross-shaped wooden structure, but the verb can be used figuratively for decisive and thorough suppression.

Semantic Range

to execute by nailing to a cross, to crucify, to punish by crucifixion, to suppress thoroughly (figurative use), to put to death metaphorically (passion/selfishness)

Root / Etymology

From σταυρός (upright pale, stake, cross), a derivative with the verb-forming ending -όω. The noun σταυρός itself may have earlier meanings such as 'stake' or 'post'. The verb thus literally means 'to equip with a stake' or 'to affix to a stake/cross'. No clear Semitic etymology; development is internal to Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σταυρόω generally referred to fastening or impaling on a stake, and this sense persists in Hellenistic and Roman contexts, where it specifically refers to the Roman method of execution by crucifixion (nailing or binding the condemned to a cross). In the Septuagint, the verb appears infrequently, reflecting a shift in penal customs; in the New Testament, it consistently denotes execution by crucifixion, particularly as used by Roman imperial authorities against enslaved people, rebels, and others. It can also be used figuratively (e.g., Gal 5:24) to describe the act of putting to death or thoroughly subduing desires or passions. Standard English translation as 'crucify' is accurate for the Roman execution context, but the underlying Greek verb retains the connotations of public, humiliating, and torturous execution unique to this period. Earlier Greek and LXX uses may lack the precise Roman-Judean crucifixion context. The metaphorical use is typical of Paul's letters, reflecting the intensity and completeness of the 'putting to death' of the fleshly nature.

Translation Consistency

primary "crucify" 12 occurrences

The primary and most specific sense of σταυρόω is execution by affixing to a cross; 'crucify' is the natural, common English verb that preserves that literal meaning and is also routinely used figuratively (e.g., to put to death or decisively suppress). Alternatives like 'execute' are accurate but less specific, while non-verbal renderings in the data reflect syntactic variance rather than a different core sense.

Alternatives (34 occurrences):
"crucified" (19x) "having been crucified" (5x) "execute by crucifixion" (3x) "might be crucified" (3x) "him be crucified" (2x) "having crucified" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σταυρός; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness:--crucify.

Root Family

σταυρόω (stauroō) — to affix to a stake or cross, to execute by crucifixion

Root σταυρ- to affix to a stake or cross, to execute by crucifixion

Word Forms

19 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4717-03 ἐσταύρωσαν estaurosan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they crucified they crucified they crucified 7
G4717-06 ἐσταυρώθη estaurothe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was crucified was crucified was crucified 5
G4717-12 σταύρωσον stauroson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG Crucify Crucify him Crucify him 5
G4717-01 ἐσταυρωμένον estauromenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG crucified having been crucified having been crucified 4
G4717-14 σταυρωθῇ staurothe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG he might be crucified might be crucified might be crucified 3
G4717-15 σταυρωθῆναι staurothenai V AOR PASS INF be crucified to be affixed to a cross to be crucified 3
G4717-07 σταυρῶσαι staurosai V AOR ACT INF to crucify to execute by crucifixion to execute by crucifixion 3
G4717-17 σταύρου staurou V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG crucify of the stake crucify 2
G4717-08 σταυρώσαντες staurosantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having crucified having crucified having crucified 2
G4717-04 ἐσταυρώσατε estaurosate V AOR ACT IND 2P PL crucified you crucified you crucified 2

Occurrences in Scripture

46 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4717-07 Matthew 20:19 σταυρῶσαι staurosai V AOR ACT INF crucify to execute by crucifixion to execute by crucifixion
G4717-10 Matthew 23:34 σταυρώσετε staurosete V FUT ACT IND 2P PL crucify you will crucify you will crucify
G4717-15 Matthew 26:2 σταυρωθῆναι staurothenai V AOR PASS INF be crucified to be affixed to a cross to be crucified
G4717-16 Matthew 27:22 σταυρωθήτω staurotheto V AOR PASS IMP 3P SG let him be crucified let him be crucified let him be crucified
G4717-16 Matthew 27:23 σταυρωθήτω staurotheto V AOR PASS IMP 3P SG let him be crucified let him be crucified let him be crucified
G4717-14 Matthew 27:26 σταυρωθῇ staurothe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG be crucified might be crucified might be crucified
G4717-07 Matthew 27:31 σταυρῶσαι staurosai V AOR ACT INF to crucify to execute by crucifixion to execute by crucifixion
G4717-08 Matthew 27:35 σταυρώσαντες staurosantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having crucified having crucified having crucified
G4717-18 Matthew 27:38 σταυροῦνται staurountai V PRS PASS IND 3P PL were crucified they are being crucified they are being crucified
G4717-01 Matthew 28:5 ἐσταυρωμένον estauromenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG who had been crucified having been crucified having been crucified
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