### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **systauróō**, represented by `{{G4957}}`, is defined as **to impale in company with** or, more commonly, **to crucify with**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe both a literal, physical crucifixion alongside someone and a figurative, spiritual union with Christ in his death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4957}}` appears in two distinct contexts. The Gospels use it literally to describe the men who were executed alongside Jesus. This is seen in the accounts where thieves were **crucified with him** ([[Matthew 27:44]]; [[Mark 15:32]]). This literal use is also present when the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and "of the other which was **crucified with** him" [[John 19:32]]. The term's deeper, figurative meaning is developed in the epistles, where it signifies the believer's spiritual identification with Christ. This is expressed in passages stating "our old man is **crucified with** him" [[Romans 6:6]] and the personal declaration, "I am **crucified with** Christ" [[Galatians 2:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and impact of being "crucified with":
* `{{G4716}}` **staurós** (cross): This is the instrument of the crucifixion. The concept of being **crucified with** Christ is inseparable from the reality of His **cross**, which believers are also called to take up [[Luke 9:23]] and in which they glory [[Galatians 6:14]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (destroy, do away, abolish): This word describes the result of being crucified with Christ. In [[Romans 6:6]], the "old man" is crucified with him so that the body of sin might be **destroyed**.
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh, the body, human nature): This term defines the realm of human existence. After being crucified with Christ, a believer continues to live in the **flesh**, but this life is now lived by faith in the Son of God [[Galatians 2:20]].
* `{{G2608}}` **katágnymi** (to rend in pieces, i.e. crack apart:--break): This word is used in the literal account of the crucifixion, where the soldiers came to **break** the legs of those crucified with Jesus to hasten their deaths [[John 19:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4957}}` is centered on the believer's union with Christ.
* **Union with Christ in Death:** The term establishes that through faith, a believer is joined to **Christ** `{{G5547}}` in His death. The declaration "I am **crucified with** Christ" [[Galatians 2:20]] is a foundational statement of this spiritual reality.
* **Death to the Old Self:** Being **crucified with** him means the "old man" is put to death, and the "body of sin might be **destroyed**" [[Romans 6:6]]. This is the definitive end of the old life's dominion.
* **A New Life Initiated:** This shared crucifixion is not an end in itself but the necessary prelude to new life. As [[Galatians 2:20]] continues, after being **crucified with** Christ, "nevertheless I live; yet not I, but **Christ** `{{G5547}}` liveth in me."
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4957}}` is a powerful term that bridges the literal, historical event of the crucifixion with a profound spiritual truth. It moves from describing the thieves on a hill [[Matthew 27:44]] to defining the core of a believer's identity in Christ. To be **crucified with** Christ is to share in His death, resulting in the "old man" being **destroyed** [[Romans 6:6]] and enabling a new life of faith lived in the **flesh** `{{G4561}}` but animated by the indwelling Christ.
TRV