### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kraníon**, represented by `{{G2898}}`, refers to a **skull**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used exclusively to name the specific location where Jesus was crucified, often translated as "Calvary" or "the place of a skull".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2898}}` is consistently used to identify the site of the crucifixion. Luke's gospel refers to "the place, which is called **Calvary**" where they crucified him [[Luke 23:33]]. John's account describes Jesus going to "a place called the place of a **skull**" [[John 19:17]]. Similarly, both Matthew and Mark identify this location by its Aramaic name, Golgotha, and provide the interpretation as "a place of a **skull**" [[Matthew 27:33]] or "The place of a **skull**" [[Mark 15:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the events associated with `{{G2898}}`:
* `{{G1115}}` **Golgothâ**: This word, of Chaldee origin, means "the skull" and is the name for the knoll near Jerusalem. It is used in direct parallel with `{{G2898}}` to name the site of the crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:33]], [[Mark 15:22]], [[John 19:17]]).
* `{{G4716}}` **staurós**: Defined as "a stake or post...a pole or cross," this word refers to the instrument of crucifixion. Jesus is described as bearing his **cross** to the place of a skull [[John 19:17]], and believers are called to take up their **cross** daily [[Luke 9:23]].
* `{{G4717}}` **stauróō**: Meaning "to impale on the cross," this verb describes the act of crucifixion itself. It is used to state that at Calvary, "they **crucified** him" [[Luke 23:33]]. The term is also used figuratively, as believers have **crucified** the flesh [[Galatians 5:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2898}}` is tied directly to the event that occurred there: the crucifixion of Christ.
* **Site of the Atonement:** The place named "skull" is where the act of crucifixion took place [[Luke 23:33]], which is central to Christian atonement. Through the "blood of his **cross** `{{G4716}}`," peace was made and all things reconciled to God [[Colossians 1:20]].
* **A Symbol of Contradiction:** While the crucifixion occurred at the place of the **skull** `{{G2898}}`, the "preaching of the **cross** `{{G4716}}`" that resulted from this event is described as foolishness to those who perish but the power of God to those who are saved [[1 Corinthians 1:18]].
* **Figurative Death to Self:** The physical location of the crucifixion gives rise to a powerful spiritual metaphor. Believers are called to take up their own **cross** `{{G4716}}` and follow Jesus ([[Matthew 16:24]], [[Mark 8:34]]), and Paul states that through the cross, the world is **crucified** `{{G4717}}` to him, and he to the world [[Galatians 6:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2898}}` **kraníon** is a geographically specific term, a name for the place of the **skull**. Its importance is not in the word itself, but in its unshakeable connection to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It marks the physical location where the central event of the Christian faith occurred, giving a concrete anchor to the profound theological concepts of the cross, atonement, and the call to discipleship.
TRV