And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even as Jesus is led to his execution, the text highlights his crucifixion alongside two criminals, subtly foreshadowing the radical inclusivity of his atoning sacrifice. This placement wasn't accidental; it immediately frames Jesus not as a king or a victim among equals, but as someone bearing the weight of sin for the entire spectrum of humanity.
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been condemned by Pilate and is now being led away to the place of execution. This verse marks the solemn beginning of the crucifixion itself, where Jesus is placed between two criminals, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting the stark contrast between the Savior and sinners, as well as foreshadowing the different responses to his sacrifice.
Why would the place of Jesus' crucifixion be called 'The Skull' or 'Calvary'?
The name 'Calvary' (or 'Golgotha' in Hebrew) literally means 'place of a skull.' This isn't just a gruesome detail; it sets a stark scene. Imagine the ground littered with skulls, a place of public execution and death. It speaks to the utter finality and shame associated with crucifixion. But within this place of death, Jesus' ultimate act of life-giving sacrifice was about to unfold.
Jesus wasn't alone on the cross. Who was with him, and why does it matter?
The verse places Jesus squarely between two criminals. This wasn't a random arrangement. It vividly illustrates the spectrum of human response to Christ. On one side, hardened hearts remained unmoved by the suffering Messiah. On the other, a repentant heart recognized Jesus' innocence and cried out for mercy. This juxtaposition highlights that even in our darkest hours, the cross reveals who we truly are and where we stand with God.
Understand the original words
stauroō · Greek Verb
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A form of capital punishment involving being nailed or tied to a wooden cross, used by the Roman Empire for slaves, revolutionaries, and non-citizens. It serves as a symbol of sacrifice, substitutionary atonement, and the ultimate humiliation of the Messiah.
The crucifixion occurred just outside the city walls of Jerusalem, a common practice for Roman executions. The name 'Golgotha' or 'Calvary,' meaning 'The Skull,' likely derived from the location's shape or perhaps the grim sight of skulls from previous crucifixions, starkly symbolizing death.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry culminates in Jerusalem during the Passover festival. He is arrested, tried by Jewish leaders and Pontius Pilate, and condemned to crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is led outside the city to a place called Golgotha ('The Skull') and crucified along with two criminals. Roman soldiers cast lots for his garments.
c. 30 AD
Death and Burial of Jesus
Jesus dies on the cross. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, requests Jesus' body and buries it in his own tomb.
c. 30 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day, Jesus is raised from the dead. Women followers discover the empty tomb, and Jesus appears to his disciples.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Christian Preaching
The apostles begin to preach about Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins through him, echoing Jesus' prayer for his crucifiers.
c. 48-49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
The early church grapples with the inclusion of Gentiles. The debate reflects ongoing tensions and the spread of the message originating from Jesus' death and resurrection.
This passage describes the same event, mentioning the arrival at Golgotha, the place of the skull, and the crucifixion of Jesus with two criminals, highlighting the shared historical and geographical context.
Mark 15:22Mark also records the arrival at the place called Golgotha, emphasizing the 'skull' imagery and setting the scene for the crucifixion, reinforcing the somber and symbolic nature of the location.
John 19:17-18John's Gospel provides a similar account of Jesus carrying his own cross to the place called the Place of a Skull, where he was crucified, underscoring the brutality and finality of the event from a different Gospel's perspective.
Isaiah 53:12This prophetic passage speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' which directly foreshadows Jesus being crucified between two criminals, revealing the divine plan behind his association with wrongdoers.
Luke 23:39-43The immediate narrative following the crucifixion sets up the dramatic contrast between the two criminals, showing how the event at 'The Skull' had vastly different spiritual outcomes, illustrating the power of Christ's sacrifice even amidst suffering.
vincentLuke 23:33: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
Calvary (Κρανίον)The Greek word is the translation of the Hebrew Golgotha. See on Matthew 27:33.
clarkeLuke 23:33: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
The place - called Calvary - See on Matthew 27:33 (note). They crucified him - See the nature of this punishment explained Matthew 27:35 (note).
Even as Jesus is led to his execution, the text highlights his crucifixion alongside two criminals, subtly foreshadowing the radical inclusivity of his atoning sacrifice. This placement wasn't accidental; it immediately frames Jesus not as a king or a victim among equals, but as someone bearing the weight of sin for the entire spectrum of humanity.
Jesus has just been condemned by Pilate and is now being led away to the place of execution. This verse marks the solemn beginning of the crucifixion itself, where Jesus is placed between two criminals, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting the stark contrast between the Savior and sinners, as well as foreshadowing the different responses to his sacrifice.
Jesus has just been condemned by Pilate and is now being led away to the place of execution. This verse marks the solemn beginning of the crucifixion itself, where Jesus is placed between two criminals, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting the stark contrast between the Savior and sinners, as well as foreshadowing the different responses to his sacrifice.
"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left." — Even as Jesus is led to his execution, the text highlights his crucifixion alongside two criminals, subtly foreshadowing the radical inclusivity of his atoning sacrifice. This placement wasn't accide…
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Last reviewed October 2026