All word studies
Cross in the Bible
The cross moves from instrument of shame to center of salvation. The Greek word stauros names the upright stake; the New Testament makes it the place where God's wrath and love meet.
Greek & Hebrew words
Key KJV verses
All verses →1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”Read in context
Galatians 6:14
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Read in context
Colossians 2:14
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... nailing it to his cross.”Read in context
Luke 9:23
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”Read in context
Stauros: the place of substitution
On the cross the righteous Judge bore the judgment due to His people. Stauros (G4716) becomes the meeting point of divine wrath and divine love (Romans 5:8).
Taking up the cross
Discipleship is cruciform: stauroō (G4717) describes both Christ's death and the believer's daily dying to self (Galatians 2:20; Luke 9:23).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greek word for cross?
Stauros (G4716), meaning an upright stake or cross — the Roman instrument of execution.
What does the cross mean in the Bible?
It is the place where Christ bore sin in the sinner's place, satisfying God's justice and securing salvation (1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:14).