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:

And {G2532} he bearing {G941} his {G846} cross {G4716} went forth {G1831} into {G1519} a place {G5117} called {G3004} the place of a skull {G2898}, which {G3739} is called {G3004} in the Hebrew {G1447} Golgotha {G1115}:

Carrying the stake himself he went out to the place called Skull (in Aramaic, Gulgolta).

Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.

They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha:

Commentary

Context

John 19:17 describes a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative: Jesus begins His solemn journey to the place of crucifixion. Immediately preceding this, Jesus had been scourged, mocked by Roman soldiers, and finally condemned to death by Pontius Pilate, despite Pilate finding no fault in Him (John 19:16). Roman custom dictated that the condemned would carry the horizontal beam of their cross (the *patibulum*) to the execution site, a public display of shame and a warning to others. While the Synoptic Gospels mention Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry Jesus' cross (Luke 23:26), John's account emphasizes Jesus' initial strength and willingness to bear the burden Himself, highlighting His active participation in His own sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • Suffering and Humiliation: The act of bearing the cross was deeply humiliating and physically agonizing. It underscores the profound suffering Jesus endured, a suffering He willingly accepted as part of His mission to redeem humanity.
  • Sovereignty and Purpose: Despite the apparent weakness, Jesus' bearing of the cross demonstrates His divine purpose and control. He is not merely a victim but the obedient Son fulfilling the Father's will, moving deliberately towards the culmination of His redemptive work on the cross.
  • Anticipation of Sacrifice: This verse sets the stage for the crucifixion itself, drawing the reader's attention to the specific location where the ultimate sacrifice would occur.

Linguistic Insights

The verse states the place was "called in the Hebrew Golgotha."

  • Golgotha: This is an Aramaic (a dialect closely related to Hebrew) word, meaning "place of a skull." The Latin equivalent is *Calvaria*, from which we derive "Calvary." The name likely referred to the skull-like shape of the hill or perhaps its reputation as a place of death where skulls might be found. It was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, as was customary for executions (Hebrews 13:12).

Practical Application

John 19:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of our salvation. Jesus, though innocent, bore the instrument of His own execution, enduring shame and pain for the sake of humanity. This act inspires believers to reflect on:

  • The Depth of Christ's Love: His willingness to endure such a burden demonstrates an unparalleled love for us (John 15:13).
  • Discipleship's Call: Jesus' journey with the cross foreshadows His call to His followers to also "take up their cross daily and follow Him" (Luke 9:23). This signifies a commitment to self-denial, obedience, and endurance in the face of challenges, aligning our lives with His sacrificial example.
  • Purpose in Suffering: While our suffering is not redemptive in the same way Christ's was, this verse encourages us to see purpose in our own burdens when they are borne in faith and obedience to God.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 23:33

    And 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 14:27

    And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

  • Luke 23:26

    ¶ And 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 7:58

    And 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 15:32

    Let 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.

  • Hebrews 13:11

    For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

  • Hebrews 13:13

    Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
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