### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anastauróō**, represented by `{{G388}}`, is a powerful figurative term meaning **to recrucify**. Based on its components, its definition is to crucify afresh. It is a rare word, appearing only **2 times** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting its specific and grave theological weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{G388}}` is in the stern warning found in the book of Hebrews. The passage describes the state of those who "fall away" `{{G3895}}` after having once been enlightened. For such individuals, it is impossible to "renew them again unto repentance" because they **crucify** to themselves the Son of God **afresh** and put him to an open shame [[Hebrews 6:6]]. The action of recrucifying is thus presented as a deliberate, personal rejection of Christ that repeats the public disgrace of His original crucifixion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words in [[Hebrews 6:6]] illuminate the meaning of `{{G388}}`:
* `{{G3895}}` **parapíptō** (to fall away): This describes the act of apostasy that serves as the precondition for the action of recrucifying.
* `{{G340}}` **anakainízō** (to restore): This term, meaning to renew, is what becomes impossible for those who crucify the Son afresh, emphasizing the finality of their action.
* `{{G3856}}` **paradeigmatízō** (put to an open shame): This word is used in parallel with `{{G388}}`, clarifying that to recrucify is to expose the Son of God to public infamy once again.
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word identifies the one who is being recrucified, clarifying the subject as the very **Son** of God `{{G2316}}`, which elevates the severity of the act.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G388}}` is profound and centered on the gravity of apostasy.
* **Rejection of Christ's Sacrifice:** To crucify Christ afresh is to treat His singular, all-sufficient sacrifice as if it were invalid, thereby personally re-enacting the condemnation He endured.
* **Consequence of Falling Away:** The use of `{{G388}}` is intrinsically linked to the consequence of falling away from faith. It is not merely a mistake but an active alignment with the enemies of Christ, making it impossible to be restored to **repentance** `{{G3341}}`.
* **Public and Personal Shame:** The act is described as something done "to themselves," indicating a personal choice, while also being linked to putting the **Son** `{{G5207}}` of God to "an open shame" `{{G3856}}`, highlighting the dishonor it brings to Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G388}}` is a potent and specific term used exclusively to describe the spiritual state of one who willfully turns from an authentic experience of faith. By framing apostasy as an act of crucifying the Son of God afresh, the author of Hebrews conveys the utmost seriousness of such a rejection. It represents not just a departure from belief, but a hostile act against Christ Himself, one that aligns the apostate with those who first nailed Him to the cross.
TRV