The places of Golgotha and Calvary are significant locations in the Bible, especially in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The terms “Golgotha” and “Calvary” refer to the same place, with slight differences in translation. Let’s explore what the Bible reveals about this important site.
Meaning of the Terms Golgotha and Calvary
“Golgotha” is an Aramaic word meaning “skull” or “place of the skull.” It was likely called this because the hill resembles a skull or because it was a place of execution where skulls would be found. Golgotha is the term used in Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, John 19:17. “Calvary” comes from the Latin translation “Calvariae Locum” which also means “place of the skull.” Luke 23:33 uses the term Calvary in the KJV translation. So Golgotha and Calvary refer to the same place, with Golgotha being the Aramaic name and Calvary being the Latin translation.
Location of Golgotha/Calvary
The exact location of Golgotha/Calvary is uncertain, but based on the biblical accounts and historical tradition, the key facts are:
- It was located just outside Jerusalem (John 19:20)
- It was near a main road (Mark 15:29)
- It was outside the city gate (Hebrews 13:12)
- It had space for crucifixion and gathering of spectators (Mark 15:29, Matthew 27:39)
- It was near a garden with a tomb where Jesus was buried (John 19:41–42)
Based on these details, the traditional location accepted by many scholars and pilgrims for centuries is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This 4th-century church was built over the site identified by Constantine as being Golgotha. However, some dispute this traditional location due to concerns about its being inside the current Old City walls. Other proposed sites are Gordon’s Calvary near the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, and the skull-shaped hill north of the Damascus Gate.
Significance of Golgotha/Calvary
Golgotha/Calvary has deep theological and spiritual significance because:
- It was the site of Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:33–56, Mark 15:22–41).
- It fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be crucified (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10).
- It was the place where Christ bore the penalty for mankind’s sins (1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2).
- It displays God’s love in sending Jesus to die for us (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9–10).
- It secured atonement and forgiveness of sins for those who believe (Colossians 1:13–14, Hebrews 9:13–15)
The crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha/Calvary is at the heart of the Gospel message. As the location of Christ’s sacrificial death for sins, it signifies God’s grace, love, and desire for redemption of mankind. Going to Golgotha was the culmination of Christ’s earthly ministry to “give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
Golgotha in Biblical Accounts
The Gospel accounts provide details surrounding the crucifixion site at Golgotha/Calvary:
- A place of death: As a site of execution by crucifixion, Golgotha was associated with death and sin (Genesis 3:15, John 8:28, 12:32–33).
- A busy public location: Situated near a main road, Golgotha would have seen heavy foot traffic (Mark 15:29). The condemned had to carry their crosses there on display (John 19:17).
- Adjacent to a garden: John 19:41 notes there was a garden at the crucifixion site, where Joseph of Arimathea had a newly carved tomb.
- Called the Place of the Skull: The name “Golgotha” directly translates to “skull” (Matt. 27:33, Mark 15:22, John 19:17).
- Site of gambling and mockery: Soldiers cast lots to divide Jesus’ clothes at Golgotha (Luke 23:34). People mocked Jesus while He suffered on the cross (Matt. 27:39–40).
- Location of sacrificial death: As the place where Jesus willingly laid down His life for mankind, Golgotha was the site of the ultimate sacrifice (John 10:15, 18).
These scriptural details surrounding Golgotha/Calvary give insight into its physical setting and spiritual significance during Christ’s crucifixion.
Jesus’ Words Spoken at Golgotha
Even while enduring immense agony on the cross at Golgotha, Jesus spoke several profound statements (Matthew 27:46, John 19:26–28, 30):
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34): Jesus showed grace and forgiveness even towards those crucifying Him.
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43): Jesus promised salvation to the repentant thief on the cross next to Him.
- “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.” (John 19:26–27): Jesus arranged for His mother Mary’s care by the disciple John as He honored her even in His suffering.
- “I thirst.” (John 19:28): Jesus voiced the intensity of His physical suffering to fulfill prophecy (Psalm 69:21).
- “It is finished.” (John 19:30): Jesus declared His earthly work of redemption complete as He gave up His spirit in death.
These important words provide insight into Christ’s purpose at Golgotha – to graciously provide atonement for sins through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Crucifixion Accounts at Golgotha
The Gospel writers carefully documented the crucifixion events at Golgotha/Calvary (Matt 27:27–56, Mark 15:16–41, Luke 23:26–49, John 19:17–37):
- Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha (John 19:17).
- They offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh, but He refused it (Mark 15:23).
- Jesus was crucified between two thieves (John 19:18).
- A sign reading “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” was affixed to the cross (John 19:19–22).
- The soldiers divided Jesus’ clothing by gambling (Luke 23:34).
- Jesus prayed for the Father to forgive those crucifying Him (Luke 23:34).
- People mocked Jesus, challenging Him to come down from the cross (Matthew 27:39–40).
- One of the thieves repented, and Jesus told him he would be with Him in Paradise (Luke 23:39–43).
- Darkness came over the land from noon to 3 p.m. (Luke 23:44–45).
- Jesus spoke His statements noted above from the cross.
- Jesus cried out loudly and committed His spirit to the Father (Matt 27:50, Luke 23:46).
- The temple veil was torn, graves opened, saints arose (Matt 27:51–53).
- The centurion and others realized Jesus was the Son of God (Matt 27:54).
- Women including Jesus’ mother watched from a distance (Mark 15:40–41).
- Joseph of Arimathea requested and buried Jesus’ body (Mark 15:42–46).
These events provide gospel testimonies of the crucifixion at Golgotha where Jesus endured pain, mockery, darkness, and death for the redemption of sinners.
Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled at Golgotha
The crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha fulfilled many Old Testament messianic prophecies, including:
- Psalm 22: Details the Messiah’s cries of anguish, bones out of joint, surrounded by enemies, hands and feet pierced, and divided garments at crucifixion.
- Isaiah 53: Declares the Messiah will be rejected, led as a lamb to slaughter, crushed for the sins of others, and buried in a rich man’s tomb.
- Zechariah 12:10: Says the Messiah will be pierced and the people will mourn for Him as for an only son.
- Zechariah 13:7: Prophesies the Shepherd (Messiah) will be struck and the sheep (disciples) will scatter.
Christ’s sacrificial death at Golgotha powerfully displayed how He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as the suffering Messiah who paid for sin.
Later Biblical References to Golgotha
While the Gospels record the original crucifixion events, Golgotha is also referenced later in Scripture:
- Hebrews 13:12: Jesus suffered outside the city gate (at Golgotha) to sanctify His people by His blood.
- 1 Peter 2:24: Christ bore the sins of the world in His body on the cross (at Golgotha).
- Revelation 11:8: The place where the Lord was crucified (Golgotha) is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt.
These later references establish the theological importance of Christ’s atoning death at Golgotha in God’s redemptive plan.
Spiritual Significance of Golgotha
For believers, Golgotha/Calvary spiritually represents:
- God’s profound love: Christ died for sinners while they were still ungodly (Romans 5:6–8).
- Christ’s sacrifice for sins: Jesus paid the penalty for sins once for all (Hebrews 7:27, 10:10).
- Salvation by grace: Eternal life is a free gift received by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Forgiveness and redemption: Through His blood shed at the cross, Jesus redeems and forgives all who believe in Him (Colossians 1:14).
- Victory over sin and death: Trusting in Christ’s death provides freedom from sin’s mastery and power over death (Romans 6:1–14, 1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
As the place where Jesus bore mankind’s sins, Golgotha represents God’s ultimate plan of salvation unfolding through history. It epitomizes divine love triumphing over human sin and evil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Golgotha/Calvary refers to the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. While the exact location is debated, Golgotha as the “Place of the Skull” was a busy public place of execution where Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself. His agonizing death fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and provided atonement for sins so that all who believe in Him can receive eternal life. Golgotha spiritually represents the lengths to which God went to redeem lost sinners through His love. The events of Christ’s crucifixion at Golgotha form the centerpiece of the Gospel message of salvation by grace that continues to transform lives.
