### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κρεμάννυμι (kremánnymi), Strong's number `{{G2910}}`, fundamentally means "to hang" or "to suspend." As a prolonged form of a primary verb, it emphasizes the act or state of being suspended. Its semantic range includes:
* **Literal Suspension:** The physical act of attaching something from above so that it hangs freely, or the state of an object being suspended. This can apply to objects, animals, or people.
* **Figurative Dependence:** To be reliant upon, to depend on, or to be conditioned by something else, as if "hanging" from it. This usage implies that one thing is foundational or determinative for another.
* **Execution:** Specifically in the context of capital punishment, to execute by hanging, often on a tree or cross.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κρεμάννυμι appears several times in the New Testament, each instance contributing to its nuanced understanding:
* **Literal Hanging for Judgment:** In [[Matthew 18:6]], Jesus warns that it would be better for one who causes a "little one" to stumble to have a large millstone κρεμάννυμι (hung) around his neck and be drowned. This vivid image illustrates the severity of divine judgment for corrupting the vulnerable.
* **Figurative Dependence of the Law:** [[Matthew 22:40]] states, "On these two commandments depend [literally, 'hang'] all the Law and the Prophets." Here, κρεμάννυμι signifies that the entire Old Testament revelation, with its commandments and prophetic messages, finds its ultimate summation and foundation in the two great commands of love for God and neighbor. The whole structure of God's revealed will "hangs" on these core principles.
* **Crucifixion as "Hanging on a Tree":** The most theologically significant occurrences relate to the crucifixion of Jesus:
* [[Luke 23:39]] mentions one of the criminals "hanged" with Jesus, referring to their suspension on crosses.
* [[Acts 5:30]] and [[Acts 10:39]] both declare that God "raised Jesus, whom you murdered by hanging him on a tree." This phrasing deliberately echoes the Old Testament concept of a cursed person being hanged on a tree.
* Most powerfully, [[Galatians 3:13]] states, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'" This verse directly links Christ's death to [[Deuteronomy 21:22-23]], where a person executed and hanged on a tree is considered "cursed by God." κρεμάννυμι here underscores the ignominy and the theological burden Christ bore on the cross.
* **Literal Hanging in a Miracle:** In [[Acts 28:4]], a viper is described as κρεμάννυμι (hanging) from Paul's hand after a shipwreck. This is a literal description of the serpent's position, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of divine protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Parallel:** The primary Old Testament Hebrew equivalent is `{{H8518}}` (talah), meaning "to hang, suspend, impale." This word is used in the Septuagint to translate the concept of hanging, including the curse associated with hanging on a tree in [[Deuteronomy 21:22-23]], which is directly referenced in the New Testament.
* **Related Greek Terms:**
* `{{G3586}}` (xylon): "wood, tree," often used metonymically for the cross, especially in the phrase "hanged on a tree."
* `{{G4717}}` (stauros): "cross," the instrument of crucifixion.
* `{{G4375}}` (prospegnyo): "to fasten to, to fix," sometimes used in contexts of crucifixion, referring to the act of nailing.
* **Conceptual Links:** Curse, atonement, sacrifice, dependence, judgment, execution, shame, redemption.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of κρεμάννυμι is immense, particularly in its application to the crucifixion.
* **Christ Bearing the Curse:** The repeated assertion that Jesus was "hanged on a tree" is a profound theological statement. By being suspended on the cross, He fulfilled the Old Testament curse of [[Deuteronomy 21:22-23]]. In doing so, He became a curse for humanity, taking upon Himself the condemnation due to sin, thereby redeeming believers from the curse of the Law ([[Galatians 3:13]]). This highlights the depth of Christ's identification with humanity's fallen state and the substitutional nature of His atonement.
* **The Foundation of God's Law:** The figurative use in [[Matthew 22:40]] emphasizes the foundational unity and dependence of God's entire Law and prophetic revelation on the principle of love. This underscores that true obedience to God's will is not merely external adherence to rules, but an outflow of love for God and neighbor.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The imagery of the millstone ([[Matthew 18:6]]) serves as a stark warning about the gravity of causing spiritual harm, illustrating God's uncompromising justice against those who lead others astray.
### Summary
The Greek verb κρεμάννυμι (kremánnymi) signifies "to hang" or "to suspend," encompassing both literal and figurative meanings within the New Testament. While it describes physical acts of suspension, such as a millstone ([[Matthew 18:6]]) or a viper ([[Acts 28:4]]), its most profound theological resonance lies in its application to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The consistent New Testament declaration that Jesus was "hanged on a tree" ([[Acts 5:30]], [[Acts 10:39]], [[Galatians 3:13]]) deliberately invokes the Old Testament curse associated with such an execution ([[Deuteronomy 21:22-23]]). This underscores the atoning work of Christ, who, in His death, bore the curse of humanity, thereby redeeming believers from the condemnation of the Law. Furthermore, κρεμάννυμι figuratively illustrates the foundational dependence of the entire Law and Prophets upon the two great commandments of love for God and neighbor ([[Matthew 22:40]]). Thus, κρεμάννυμι is a powerful term that conveys not only physical suspension but also deep theological truths about divine judgment, the essence of God's law, and the saving work of Christ on the cross.
TRV