The place name "The Skull" (or Calvary) isn't just descriptive of the shape of the terrain; it profoundly sets the stage for Jesus' death, turning a public execution into a symbolic confrontation with mortality itself. By crucifying Him amongst criminals in this grim location, the scene starkly illustrates the extremes of sin and righteousness, setting the foundation for the redemptive purpose of His suffering.
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. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified. He's now being led out of the city to a place known as "The Skull," the common spot for executions, where he will be nailed to a cross between two criminals. This scene marks the brutal fulfillment of the prophecies, with Jesus submitting to this agonizing death.
The place where Jesus was crucified has a name that chills the soul – 'The Skull'. What does this stark moniker reveal about the nature of this event?
The name 'Calvary' is a translation of the Aramaic word 'Golgotha', both meaning 'skull'. This wasn't just a random, grim location; it was likely a place of execution, possibly with a shape resembling a skull, or perhaps a place where skulls were visible.
This stark naming sets the scene for profound theological significance:
Jesus wasn't alone on the cross. He was flanked by two others. Why is this detail so crucial to understanding the message of the crucifixion?
The placement of Jesus between two criminals is not accidental; it highlights the profound, diverging responses to Christ’s sacrifice.
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Understand the original words
stauroō · Greek Verb
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.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
The divine prerogative to remit debt or sin, releasing the offender from the penalty they deserve. It is based on Christ's atoning work and is a primary theme of the Gospel.
himation · Greek Noun
Long tunics worn as undergarments, the division of which by casting lots fulfills Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah’s suffering.
Christos · Greek Noun
The title 'Anointed One,' referring to the promised deliverer of Israel whom God designated to serve as Prophet, Priest, and King.
eklektos · Greek Adjective
One whom God has selected or set apart for a specific divine purpose or ministry, frequently applied to Jesus in His messianic role.
The place name 'The Skull' (Golgotha/Calvary) likely referred to a skull-shaped hill or rock formation, a grim but fitting backdrop for the brutality of crucifixion, a Roman punishment reserved for the worst criminals.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Trial and Condemnation
Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and the Jewish religious leaders. Despite Pilate finding no guilt, the crowd demands Jesus' crucifixion, leading to his condemnation.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Carries the Cross
Following his condemnation, Jesus is forced to carry his own cross to the execution site outside the city walls of Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion at Golgotha
Jesus is crucified at a place known as 'The Skull' (Golgotha in Hebrew, Cranion in Greek), a common execution site outside Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD
Division of Jesus' Garments
Roman soldiers cast lots to divide Jesus' clothing amongst themselves, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting the cruelty of the event.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners
From the cross, Jesus utters a prayer asking God to forgive those who are crucifying him, demonstrating profound love and mercy.
c. 30 AD
The Two Thieves
Two criminals are crucified alongside Jesus. One mocks Jesus, while the other repents and asks Jesus to remember him, receiving salvation.
This passage mirrors Luke's account of arriving at the place called 'The Skull' (Golgotha), emphasizing the stark and grim setting for Jesus' crucifixion.
Isaiah 53:12This prophetic passage speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' which directly parallels Jesus being crucified between two criminals.
Psalm 22:16This psalm, deeply Messianic, contains the imagery 'they pierced my hands and my feet,' which resonates with the brutal reality of the crucifixion described in Luke.
Galatians 3:13This New Testament passage explains that 'Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,' which sheds light on the theological significance of Jesus taking the place of condemned criminals.
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).
The place name "The Skull" (or Calvary) isn't just descriptive of the shape of the terrain; it profoundly sets the stage for Jesus' death, turning a public execution into a symbolic confrontation with mortality itself. By crucifying Him amongst criminals in this grim location, the scene starkly illustrates the extremes of sin and righteousness, setting the foundation for the redemptive purpose of His suffering.
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified. He's now being led out of the city to a place known as "The Skull," the common spot for executions, where he will be nailed to a cross between two criminals. This scene marks the brutal fulfillment of the prophecies, with Jesus submitting to this agonizing death.
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified. He's now being led out of the city to a place known as "The Skull," the common spot for executions, where he will be nailed to a cross between two criminals. This scene marks the brutal fulfillment of the prophecies, with Jesus submitting to this agonizing death.
"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. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divi…" — The place name "The Skull" (or Calvary) isn't just descriptive of the shape of the terrain; it profoundly sets the stage for Jesus' death, turning a public execution into a symbolic confrontation wit…
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Last reviewed October 2026
