Encyclopedia entry
Cross
In the New Testament the instrument of crucifixion, and hence used for the crucifixion of Christ itself (Eph. 2:16; Heb. 12:2; 1 Cor. 1:17, 18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Phil. 3:18). The word is also used to denote any severe affliction or trial (Matt. 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21).
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The forms in which the cross is represented are these:
1. The crux simplex (I), a “single piece without transom.”
2. The crux decussata (X), or St. Andrew’s cross.
3. The crux commissa (T), or St. Anthony’s cross.
4. The crux immissa (t), or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross on which our Saviour died. Above our Lord’s head, on the projecting beam, was placed the “title.” (See CRUCIFIXION.)
After the conversion, so-called, of Constantine the Great (B.C. 313), the cross first came into use as an emblem of Christianity. He pretended at a critical moment that he saw a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription, “In hoc signo vinces”, i.e., By this sign thou shalt conquer, and that on the following night Christ himself appeared and ordered him to take for his standard the sign of this cross. In this form a new standard, called the Labarum, was accordingly made, and borne by the Roman armies. It remained the standard of the Roman army till the downfall of the Western empire. It bore the embroidered monogram of Christ, i.e., the first two Greek letters of his name, X and P (chi and rho), with the Alpha and Omega. (See A.)
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
As the emblem of a slave’s death and a murderer’s punishment, the cross was naturally looked upon with the profoundest horror. But after the celebrated vision of Constantine, he ordered his friends to make a cross of gold and gems, such as he had seen, and “the towering eagles resigned the flags unto the cross,” and “the tree of cursing and shame” “sat upon the sceptres and was engraved and signed on the foreheads of kings.” (Jer. Taylor, “Life of Christ,” iii., xv. 1.) The new standards were called by the name Labarum, and may be seen on the coins of Constantine the Great and his nearer successors. The Latin cross on which our Lord suffered, was int he form of the letter T, and had an upright above the cross-bar, on which the “title” was placed. There was a projection from the central stem, on which the body of the sufferer rested. This was to prevent the weight of the body from tearing away the hands. Whether there was also a support to the feet (as we see in pictures) is doubtful. An inscription was generally placed above the criminal’s head, briefly expressing his guilt, and generally was carried before him. It was covered with white gypsum, and the letter were black.
In the Bible
91
Verses where Cross is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
- 1 Kings 2:37
On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.”
- 1 Samuel 14:1
One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father.
- 1 Samuel 14:4
Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh.
- 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
+85 more verses naming Cross.
Scripture on Cross
60
See all 60 +−
- John 19Joshua 1Matthew 27Mark 151 Corinthians 1Deuteronomy 4Deuteronomy 312 Samuel 17Isaiah 23Matthew 10Mark 8Galatians 5Galatians 6Ephesians 2Philippians 3Colossians 2Hebrews 12Numbers 33Numbers 34Numbers 35Deuteronomy 9Deuteronomy 11Deuteronomy 12Deuteronomy 27Deuteronomy 30Deuteronomy 34Joshua 3Joshua 4Joshua 22Judges 3Judges 121 Samuel 301 Kings 2Psalms 104Proverbs 18Isaiah 11Isaiah 51Jeremiah 2Jeremiah 5Jeremiah 41Ezekiel 47Amos 6Matthew 8Matthew 16Mark 4Mark 10Luke 8Luke 9Luke 14Luke 16Luke 23Acts 2Acts 18Philippians 2Colossians 1
Entries that reference Cross
2
More illustrations of Cross
4
Brooklyn Museum - The Raising of the Cross (L'élévation de la Croix) - James Tissot
James Tissot
Brooklyn Museum - The Title on the Cross (Titre de la Croix) - James Tissot
James Tissot
Brooklyn Museum - Jesus Alone on the Cross (Jésus seul sur la Croix) - James Tissot
James Tissot
Brooklyn Museum - What Our Lord Saw from the Cross (Ce que voyait Notre-Seigneur sur la Croix) - James Tissot
James Tissot
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Voices on Cross
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.