ἀνασταυρόω (anastauroō)
anastauroō
to recrucify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anastauroō carries a stark meaning: to crucify again. It is formed from the prefix ana, indicating repetition or restoration, and stauroō, the standard term for crucifixion. This construction creates a vivid image of re-enacting a past execution, rather than merely performing it once.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Hebrews 6:6. The author uses it to describe the gravity of apostasy, suggesting that those who fall away are effectively putting Christ to shame and subjecting Him to public disgrace as if He were being nailed to the cross anew. The force lies in the idea of reliving a completed historical event.
Translators typically render this as "crucify afresh" or "recrucify." The term underscores the seriousness of rejecting Christ after having known Him, portraying such rejection not just as a mistake but as an active participation in the very act that condemned Him. It serves as a sobering warning about the weight of turning away from faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anastauroō appears only once in the New Testament, carrying a heavy weight in Hebrews 6:6. It describes the act of crucifying Christ again. This is not a suggestion that Jesus died more than once, but a vivid warning about the spiritual danger of turning away from Him after knowing the truth. To reject His sacrifice is to treat it as if it were insufficient, effectively putting Him to public shame once more.
For believers, this passage invites deep reflection on the value we place on the cross. It reminds us that our faith is not a casual agreement but a lifelong commitment to the One who died for us. When we hold fast to Christ, we honor the finality and sufficiency of His work. We do not need to add anything to what He has already accomplished.
This sobering truth encourages us to examine our own hearts. Are we relying on Christ alone, or are we drifting toward other sources of security? The call is to remain steady in faith, trusting that His sacrifice is complete. By staying connected to Him, we avoid the tragedy of rejecting the very grace that saves us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- crucifying1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνασταυροῦντας1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 6:6
and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.
This verse uses anastauroō to warn that falling away after knowing the truth amounts to treating Christ’s sacrifice as if it needs repeating, thereby putting Him to open shame.