Why is the place where Jesus died called Calvary?

The place where Jesus died is called Calvary, a term that holds deep significance in Christian tradition and theology. Understanding why it is called Calvary requires delving into biblical texts, historical context, and linguistic nuances.

The term "Calvary" comes from the Latin word "Calvaria," which means "skull." This is a translation of the Greek word "Kranion," used in the New Testament, which also means "skull." The name is derived from the Aramaic word "Golgotha," which is used in the original texts of the Gospels. All four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—mention Golgotha as the place where Jesus was crucified. For instance, in Matthew 27:33, it states, "And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull" (ESV). Similarly, in John 19:17, we read, "And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha" (ESV).

The name "Place of a Skull" has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. There are several theories about why this name was used. One theory suggests that the location physically resembled a skull. Some historical accounts and archaeological findings point to a hill with a rock formation that looked like a skull near Jerusalem. This visual resemblance might have led the locals to call it Golgotha.

Another theory posits that Golgotha was a known execution site where crucifixions were regularly carried out by the Romans. It might have been called the Place of a Skull because it was littered with the remains of those who had been executed there. Crucifixion was a common method of capital punishment in the Roman Empire, reserved for the most heinous criminals and political rebels. The gruesome nature of this execution method meant that places like Golgotha were often associated with death and decay, further reinforcing the name.

Theologically, the name Calvary or Golgotha carries profound implications. It was at this place, the Place of a Skull, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified. This event is central to Christian faith because it signifies the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where he writes, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (ESV). The location's name, therefore, becomes a poignant symbol of death and redemption.

Calvary's significance is further highlighted in Christian literature and hymns. For instance, the hymn "At Calvary" by William R. Newell beautifully captures the essence of what happened at this sacred place:

"Years I spent in vanity and pride, Caring not my Lord was crucified, Knowing not it was for me He died On Calvary."

This hymn, like many others, underscores the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary. It is a place where divine love and justice intersected, offering salvation to all who believe.

Historically, the exact location of Golgotha has been a subject of debate and pilgrimage. The traditional site is within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site revered by many Christians as the place of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. This church has been a focal point of Christian worship for centuries, attracting pilgrims from around the world who seek to connect with the physical location of these pivotal events.

In addition to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, another proposed site is the Garden Tomb, located outside the walls of Jerusalem. Some Protestant Christians favor this location, believing it aligns more closely with the descriptions in the Gospels. Regardless of the exact geographical location, the spiritual and theological significance of Calvary remains unchanged.

The name Calvary also invites Christians to reflect on the cost of their redemption. It serves as a reminder of the immense suffering Jesus endured out of love for humanity. Isaiah 53:5 prophetically speaks of this suffering: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed" (ESV). This verse, written centuries before Jesus' crucifixion, poignantly captures the sacrificial nature of his death at Calvary.

Moreover, Calvary is a call to discipleship. Jesus himself said in Luke 9:23, "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (ESV). The mention of the cross here is not just a reference to the physical act of carrying a wooden beam but a call to live a life of self-sacrifice, humility, and devotion to God. Calvary, therefore, is not just a historical location but a spiritual metaphor for the Christian journey.

In conclusion, the place where Jesus died is called Calvary because it translates to "Place of a Skull," derived from the Aramaic word Golgotha. This name is rooted in the physical appearance or the grim reality of the site as a place of execution. However, its significance transcends these origins, symbolizing the profound theological truths of Jesus' sacrificial death and the hope of redemption it offers. Calvary stands as a testament to God's love, justice, and the call to follow Christ in a life of faith and obedience.