Stake-Tree-or Cross?

According to Strong’s Greek dictionary, the phrases such as “to take up one’s cross” or “to bears one’s cross” meaning to undergo suffering, trial, and punishment; to expose oneself to reproach and death (Mt 10:38, 16:24; Mk 8:34, 10:21; Lk 9:23, 14:27).

…and as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross (G4716). Matthew 27:32 KJV 

Simon was compelled or pressed to serve to carry the stake or the instrument used in the crucifixion of Messiah.      

Was Messiah crucified on a cross, stake, or tree? Let’s examine the meaning of the word cross in Mt 27:32, which is an English translation of a Greek word.

G4716 in the Greek dictionary; Σταυρός… stauros… pronounced… stow-ros.’

From the base of G2476, a stake or post (as set upright), that is, (specifically) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively exposure to death, that is, self-denial; by implication, the atonement of Christ: – cross.

The Greek word is stauros. Specifically means stake or post. The translators chose the cross, which is not the root meaning.

In other Scriptures, the cross is omitted and is referred to as a tree.

“Our fathers’ Elohim raised Yahshua, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree” (Acts 5:30 RSB).

“And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree” (Acts 10:39 RSB).

“And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a sepulcher” (Acts 13:29 RSB).

Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:13 RSB).

Peter, an eyewitness to Yahushua’s crucifixion, testifies this; “who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, (G3586) that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24 RSB).

In all these Scriptures, the Greek word used is G3586…Ξύλον…xulon…pronounced…xoo’-lon.

From another form of the base of G3582; timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree, or other wooden article or substance: – staff, stocks, tree, wood.

This implies that the word cross was a stake or tree lumber that would support a grown man. Some Bibles (RSB & CJB are 2 examples) do not use the word cross. They simply follow the raw meaning of the Greek word. To embellish a description is a violation of the Scriptures. So we say an Execution Stake referring to the Tree as the instrument used for His death. The tree was a method used by the Romans in the death of those who were sentenced to death for a crime committed.

Yahushua was falsely accused and put to death for blasphemy. His death was for the benefit and redemption of mankind and the restoration of our fellowship with our Creator… Yahweh. The first step is the acceptance of His blood sacrifice that atones on and covers our transgressions.

We should not look to trinkets that identify us as a believer in Messiah. Our greatest testimony is our behavior in Messiah, demonstrating His love and compassion for all people.

Never stand or bend the knee to crosses, statues, or men as many do in churches, even if they supernaturally glow. This violates the commandments of Yahweh. Yahweh is a Spirit, and we are instructed to worship Elohim in Spirit and in truth.

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Exodus 20:4 RSB).

“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am Yahweh your Elohim” (Leviticus 26:1 RSB).