Jesus’ story is accounted for in the four gospels in the New Testament. Jesus is the son of God, who died by being crucified on the cross. However, does the bible mention where Jesus died? Did he die on the cross? Where did Jesus die?
The Bible clearly shows that Jesus died on the cross, where he was crucified. Jesus took his last breath at Golgotha, a place that is also referred to as the “place of the skull.” According to John 19:41, Jesus was also buried at Golgotha.
So, what does Golgotha mean? What does the Bible say about Golgotha? Where is Golgotha located on the map? Did Jesus die on the cross? Where was Jesus buried after he died? Continue reading to get the answers to these questions and more.
What does Golgotha mean?
The Bible says in John 19:17, Mark 15:22, and Mathew 27:33 that Golgotha refers to the “place of the skull.” Mark 15:22 says, “And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, the place of the skull.” Some scholars describe Golgotha as a little rounded knoll that looks like a bare skull.
The book of John 19:41 says that there was a garden in Golgotha. “And the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.” Those are the descriptions we get in the New Testament of what Golgotha meant and a slight picture of how it looked like.
The word Skull in Latin is Calvaria. This explains why many Christians term the place where Jesus was crucified as Calvary. Some people refer to Golgotha as “skull hill” because of the idea that it was located on a hill and looked like a skull. However, the origin of the name “skull hill” is not certain. Some people note that perhaps it was called skull hill because it was a place of execution, and skulls were left lying. Others still hold on to the fact that it was a hill with a shape of a skull.
What does the Bible say about Golgotha?
Jesus was crucified in Golgotha, also referred to as the “place of the skull.” Mathew 27:33-35 says, “And when they came to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that the prophet might fulfill it, they parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did cast lots.”
Other verses that mention Golgotha as the place of the Skull include; Luke 23:33, Mark 15:21-23, John 19:20, and John 19:17-18. Additionally, the Bible says in the book of Hebrews 13:12 that Jesus suffered outside the city gate, which means that the place of his execution, or crucifixion, was outside the city of Jerusalem.
Additionally, the book of Mathew 27:39 indicates that Golgotha was near a public road. This verse reads, “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads.”
Where is Golgotha located on the map?
The book of John 19:20 notes that Golgotha was near the city. “Many of the Jews read the inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and Greek.” Scholars and historians propose that the possible sites where Jesus was crucified were Gordon’s Calvary Church and the Holy Sepulchre. Both these places are traditional sites that date back to as early as the fourth century after Christ. The New Testament indicates that Golgotha was a spot just outside Jerusalem.
However, theologian and bible scholar Don Stewart notes that the exact site of Jesus’ crucifixion is unknown. He argues that no one can say that Jesus was crucified at either Gordon’s Calvary Church or Holy sepulcher. Though Gordon’s Calvary is located on a hill and looks like a skull, there is not enough evidence to conclude that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was crucified there.
Did Jesus die on the cross?
According to gospel books, Jesus died on the cross. The book of John 19:28 -30 says, “Later, knowing everything had now been finished, and so that scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, I am thirsty. A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, it is finished. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his Spirit.”
The gospel of Luke also agrees that Jesus died on the cross. Luke 23:44-46 says that at around noon, darkness covered the whole earth, the sun stopped shining, Jesus spoke in a loud voice and called God, he committed his Spirit in God’s hands and took his last breath.
Where was Jesus buried after he died?
The Bible says that after Jesus died on the cross, his body was taken to a nearby tomb. John 19:40-42 says, “So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden, a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
However, Jesus was only in the tomb for three days, and the following week when Mary Magdalene visited the tomb, he was not there. The gospel of John 20:1-7 accounts for the visit of Mary Magdalene to the tomb of Jesus. When he came and did not get the body of Jesus in the tomb, he ran to Jesus’ disciples and told them. When they came to the tomb, the confirmed Jesus had surely risen.
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Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection?
Where did Jesus die? Where was Jesus crucified?
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.
