συσταυρόομαι (sustauroomai)
sustauroomai
to crucify with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sustauroomai describes being crucified alongside someone else, combining the prefix for "with" and the root for "cross." In its literal sense, it appears in the Gospels to describe criminals executed beside Jesus, such as in Matthew 27:44 and Mark 15:32. The sources note this usage highlights the physical reality of sharing the same fate at the place of execution.
More significantly, the word carries a metaphorical weight in Paul’s letters, describing the believer’s spiritual participation in Christ’s death. Romans 6:6 uses it to explain that the old self was crucified with Him, ending sin’s dominion. Galatians 2:20 applies it to the personal experience of dying to self so that Christ may live through the believer. This usage shifts the focus from physical execution to a profound theological union.
Translators often render this as "crucified with" or "co-crucified," though English lacks a single common verb for this concept. The term emphasizes that the Christian’s break with the old life is not merely symbolic but shares in the finality of the cross. It stands as a unique biblical image for total identification with Jesus’ suffering and victory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word συσταυρόομαι paints a picture of shared fate. In the Gospels, it describes the criminals executed beside Jesus, grounding the story in physical reality. But for believers, it points to something deeper: a spiritual union with Christ’s death. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old self was crucified with Him, breaking sin’s hold on our lives.
This is not just a historical detail or a vague idea. It means the power of sin over you has been ended. You are no longer defined by your past failures or the pull of the world. Instead, you share in Jesus’ victory over death and shame.
When life feels heavy or when old habits try to return, remember this truth: you have already died to that old way of living. Your identity is now hidden with Christ in God. This shared cross is your freedom and your hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was crucified with [Him],1×
- having been crucified with1×
- having been crucified1×
- crucified1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συσταυρωθέντος1×
- συσταυρωθέντες1×
- συνεσταυρώθη,1×
- συνεσταυρωμένοι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 6:6
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
This verse applies the word to the believer's spiritual reality, explaining that the 'old man' was crucified with Christ to break sin's dominion.
-
Matthew 27:44
The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.
Here the word describes the literal criminals executed alongside Jesus, highlighting the physical proximity and shared fate at Golgotha.
-
Mark 15:32
Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.” Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
This occurrence shows those crucified with Him joining in the mockery, underscoring the shame and rejection Jesus faced alone in His mission.