And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull).
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that "Golgotha" means "Place of a Skull," but this wasn't just a random descriptive name. It suggests the location was a well-known, grim site, likely outside the city walls, where executions were carried out, and perhaps where the remains of the executed were left, giving it its chilling moniker.
And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, weakened and beaten, is led out of the city towards a place outside the walls where criminals were executed. This grim location, known as Golgotha, gets its name from its skull-like appearance, a fittingly stark setting for the horrific events about to unfold. As they arrive, the soldiers prepare the cross and offer Jesus a drink mixed with myrrh, which he refuses, setting the stage for his crucifixion.
Why would the Gospel writer pause to explain the meaning of 'Golgotha'? It’s not just a geographic marker, but a name loaded with meaning.
The name 'Golgotha', meaning 'Place of a Skull,' wasn't just a grim landmark. While some scholars suggest it was named for its shape or for scattered remains, the primary significance for the Gospel writers is its association with death and execution.
We often picture Jesus being carried to His crucifixion, but the text reveals a moment where He bore His own burden before an interruption.
Mark's account doesn't immediately jump to Simon of Cyrene. It implies Jesus initially carried His own cross to Golgotha. This detail is crucial for understanding the depth of His voluntary sacrifice.
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Understand the original words
Golgotha · Aramaic/Greek Noun
The Aramaic name for the site of the crucifixion, meaning "skull"; it identifies the specific location outside Jerusalem where Jesus bore the sins of the world.
The name 'Golgotha' itself, meaning 'Place of a Skull,' immediately sets a grim and solemn tone, reflecting the brutal reality of crucifixion as a public execution site outside the city walls.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus is brought to Golgotha
Jesus is led to a site outside Jerusalem known as Golgotha, the 'Place of a Skull,' for his crucifixion. This location was likely chosen for its visibility and proximity to a major thoroughfare, yet outside the city walls as was customary for executions.
c. 30 AD
Simon of Cyrene compelled to bear the cross
As Jesus weakens under the weight of the cross, a man named Simon from Cyrene is forced by Roman soldiers to carry it. This event highlights Jesus' suffering and the shared burden of the cross.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and division of garments
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, and the Roman soldiers divide his clothing by casting lots. This fulfills prophecy and underscores the utter humiliation of his death.
c. 30 AD
Mockery and inscription
An inscription identifying Jesus as 'The King of the Jews' is placed above his head, and he endures mockery from onlookers, priests, and the two criminals crucified with him.
c. 30 AD
Darkness and Jesus' death
A supernatural darkness falls over the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, when Jesus cries out and dies. This signifies the profound cosmic impact of his sacrifice.
c. AD 60s
Mark's Gospel written
The Gospel of Mark is written, likely in Rome or Italy, to provide an account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection for a predominantly Gentile audience. Mark's inclusion of the Aramaic name 'Golgotha' with its Greek explanation, 'Place of a Skull,' aids his readers' understanding.
This passage directly connects Jesus' suffering outside the city gates to Old Testament practices of atonement, highlighting the significance of Golgotha's location.
Matthew 27:33This passage provides the same naming and interpretation of Golgotha, offering a parallel account of the event from a different Gospel writer.
Luke 23:33Luke also names the place 'Golgotha' and mentions the crucifixion, reinforcing the location's significance as the site of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.
Isaiah 53:12This prophecy describes the Suffering Servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' which is directly reflected in Jesus being crucified between two criminals at Golgotha.
cambridgeMark 15:22: "And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull."
22 . the place Golgotha ] St Mark gives the explanation of the Hebrew word “Golgotha.” St Luke omits it altogether. It was a bare hill or rising ground on the north or north-west of the city, having the form on its rounded summit of a skull , whence its name. It was ( a ) apparently a well-known spot; ( b ) outside the gate (comp. Hebrews 13:12 ); but ( c ) near the city ( John 19:20 );…
gillMark 15:22: "And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull."
And they bring him unto the place, Golgotha,.... A famous, or rather an infamous one, well known, and much noted for the many executions there: which is, being interpreted, the place of a skull; because the skulls of men that had been executed and buried there, being dug up again, lay scattered about; See Gill on Matthew 27:33.
The text highlights that "Golgotha" means "Place of a Skull," but this wasn't just a random descriptive name. It suggests the location was a well-known, grim site, likely outside the city walls, where executions were carried out, and perhaps where the remains of the executed were left, giving it its chilling moniker.
Jesus, weakened and beaten, is led out of the city towards a place outside the walls where criminals were executed. This grim location, known as Golgotha, gets its name from its skull-like appearance, a fittingly stark setting for the horrific events about to unfold. As they arrive, the soldiers prepare the cross and offer Jesus a drink mixed with myrrh, which he refuses, setting the stage for his crucifixion.
Jesus, weakened and beaten, is led out of the city towards a place outside the walls where criminals were executed. This grim location, known as Golgotha, gets its name from its skull-like appearance, a fittingly stark setting for the horrific events about to unfold. As they arrive, the soldiers prepare the cross and offer Jesus a drink mixed with myrrh, which he refuses, setting the stage for his crucifixion.
"And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull)." — The text highlights that "Golgotha" means "Place of a Skull," but this wasn't just a random descriptive name. It suggests the location was a well-known, grim site, likely outside the city walls, wher…
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Last reviewed October 2026