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G388 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνασταυρόω
anastauróō
Verb
anastauroō; to crucify again; to re-crucify

Definition

The Greek verb anastauroō (G388) means to crucify again or to put to the cross anew. It appears once in the New Testament in Hebrews 6:6, in the context of warning against apostasy: those who fall away are said to be "crucifying the Son of God all over again."

The compound ana (again/anew) + stauros (cross) intensifies the gravity of apostasy — it is described as re-inflicting the crucifixion on Christ Himself.

Usage & Theological Significance

Hebrews 6:4-6 contains one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture. Those who have been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, and yet fall away — they anastauroō the Son of God. The language is deliberately shocking: apostasy is not a small failure but a repudiation of the cross itself.

Theologians have debated whether this describes a theoretical impossibility (showing the stakes, not the outcome) or a real danger. But all agree on the theological weight: there is no second crucifixion available to cover a deliberate, complete rejection of Christ. The cross need not be repeated — and cannot be. This warning drives the church toward persevering faith, not presumptuous security.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 6:6 If they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 10:29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot?
Romans 6:10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.

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