Crucifixion was one of the most painful forms of punishment to which the worst sinners were subjected. This topic is worth discussing since there is a lot of debate regarding the nails that crucified Jesus. What people want to know is, how big were the nails that crucified Jesus?
The Bible does not clearly state how big the nails that crucified Jesus were. However, people assume they must have been big enough to support his weight and go through his hands and feet. Some suggest that they were 7 inches long, while others believe they were 9 inches long. What the Bible makes clear is that Jesus was crucified on a cross, and he had wounds on his hands from the nails (John 20: 25-27)
What nails were used to crucify Jesus? How long were the nails used to crucify Jesus? How many nails were used in the crucifixion of Jesus? These are some of the questions that this article will cover. By the end of it, you can also learn what happened to the nails that crucified Jesus. Read on to find out more!
What nails were used to crucify Jesus?
The Bible does not clearly state what nails were used to crucify Jesus. However, people have different theories regarding this. Most people believe that the nails used to crucify Jesus may have been made of heavy material.
Some claim that there is evidence of two corroded Roman-era iron nails which may have been used to crucify Jesus. They argue that these nails were used during Jesus’ crucifixion based on the slivers of wood and bone fragments on them.
Though Biblical scholars are uncertain of the nails used to crucify Jesus, the Bible clarifies that the nails left marks on Jesus’s hands. This is explained in John 20: 25, which says, “So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
How long were the nails used to crucify Jesus?
Due to the lack of evidence in the Bible, there are different speculations regarding the length of the nails used to crucify Jesus. Some people claim that the nails were around 7 inches long with a diameter of around 1 cm. Others argue that the nails involved must have been square and long, measuring around 5.9 inches long and 1cm thick. There are also those that believe that the nails were around 9 inches long.
Since crucifixion was done to numerous people and involved nails, there is evidence of a single bony example that some people use to argue Jesus’ crucifixion. Others argue that since crucifixions were not done in the same way, it is impossible to accurately predict the exact length of the nails used to crucify Jesus.
How many nails were used in the crucifixion of Jesus?
The exact number of nails used to crucify Jesus has been debated for centuries since it is not mentioned in the Bible. Many people claim that the nails used to crucify Jesus are holy nails. The Catholic Church argues that Jesus was crucified with four nails, while other religious leaders argue that three nails were used.
The belief that three nails were used during the crucifixion of Jesus is referred to as Triclavianism. Those who believe that three nails were used further argue that three is a symbolic reference to the Trinity explained in 2nd Corinthians 13:14. They also believe that Jesus was crucified with one nail on each arm. The last nail was driven through his feet, locking them together.
On the other hand, those who believe that Jesus was crucified with four nails argue that there was one nail in each hand and two nails for each foot. They argue that there is archaeological evidence that shows that this is how the Romans used to crucify their victims. What the Bible makes clear in John 20:25 is that the crucifixion of Jesus involved multiple nails in his hands.
Did nails go through Jesus’ wrists when he was crucified?
The exact location of the nails when Jesus was crucified is unknown since the Bible is unclear. However, some scientists believe that since Jesus was crucified on the cross (John 19:19), his hands would not have been strong enough to support his entire weight. Therefore, these scientists believe that the nails went through Jesus’s wrists, which were strong enough to hold his weight.
Others argue that the nails went through his hands. They believe that his hands were strong enough to hold his weights since his feet were also nailed and would support some of the weight.
There is also historical evidence suggesting that the cross had a sort of seat designed to support the victim’s weight. However, others argue that since crucifixions differed during the time of Jesus, it is unclear whether Jesus’ cross had this seat.
Though where the nails went through when Jesus was crucified is a mystery, what the Bible clearly states is that by his wounds, we are healed. This is recorded in Isaiah 53: 5, which says, But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.
What happened to the nails that crucified Jesus?
Since the Bible does not give a clue as to what happened to the nails used to crucify Jesus, some people assume that since they may have been made of iron, they decomposed to dust powder. Others claim that these nails may have been melted down and used to make other iron objects.
Some people also believe that the Romans pulled the nails out of the wood after Jesus was taken down the cross and reused them on someone else. Others also believe that the nails were found in Jerusalem in a cave that was believed to be the resting place of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was a Jewish priest that sent Jesus to his death, as explained in John 18:24.
References
- Medical aspects of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
- Crucifixion
- When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through his hands or his wrists?
- The Cross and Resurrection (Mark 14:32-16:8)
- What is the meaning of the cross?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
