Matthew 27:33

¶ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

And {G2532} when they were come {G2064} unto {G1519} a place {G5117} called {G3004} Golgotha {G1115}, that {G3739} is {G2076} to say {G3004}, a place {G5117} of a skull {G2898},

When they arrived at a place called Gulgolta (which means "place of a skull"),

And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull,

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, The place of a skull,

Context

Matthew 27:33 marks a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, describing the arrival of Jesus and His escorts at the site designated for His crucifixion. Following His condemnation by Pilate and the brutal scourging, Jesus was led out of Jerusalem, a common practice for executions to avoid defiling the holy city. This verse sets the stage for the most significant event in Christian history: the atoning death of Jesus Christ. The journey to Golgotha, though brief, was one of immense suffering and humiliation for Jesus, who was already weakened by the preceding trials and abuse.

Linguistic Insight: Golgotha

The name Golgotha is an Aramaic word, which Matthew immediately translates for his Greek-speaking audience as "a place of a skull." In Latin, this place is known as Calvary. The exact reason for this name is debated among scholars, but common theories include:

  • The shape of the hill: Some believe the hill itself resembled a skull.
  • A place of execution: As a site where criminals were crucified, it would have been littered with bones and skulls.
  • Tradition of Adam's skull: An ancient tradition suggests that Adam's skull was buried there, signifying that the place of humanity's fall would also be the place of its redemption.

Regardless of the precise origin of the name, "Golgotha" powerfully evokes images of death, judgment, and the grim reality of crucifixion.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The journey of Jesus outside the city walls aligns with prophetic types and shadows, such as the sin offering being burned outside the camp (Hebrews 13:12).
  • Humiliation and Suffering: The public procession to a place of execution underscored the depths of humiliation Jesus endured, bearing the shame of humanity's sin.
  • The Specificity of Sacrifice: The naming of the place emphasizes the historical reality and tangible nature of Jesus' sacrifice. This was not a mythical event but a real act in a real location.

Significance and Cross-References

Golgotha is mentioned in all four Gospels, highlighting its crucial importance. Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, and John 19:17 also record the arrival at this grim yet glorious site. It was here, after Jesus was led forth bearing His own cross (though Simon of Cyrene later helped, as seen in Matthew 27:32), that the ultimate act of atonement would unfold. This verse serves as the immediate prelude to the crucifixion itself, described in subsequent verses like Matthew 27:35.

Practical Application

For believers today, Golgotha is not just a historical landmark; it represents the place where salvation was secured. It reminds us of the immense cost of sin and the boundless love of God demonstrated through Christ's willingness to endure such suffering. This verse calls us to reflect on the reality of Jesus' sacrifice and to remember that our redemption was achieved at a specific, real place, emphasizing the historical grounding of our faith and the personal nature of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

  • John 19:19

    ¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

  • Mark 15:22

    ¶ And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

  • 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.

  • Mark 15:34

    And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

  • Luke 23:44

    ¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

  • John 19:23

    Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back