UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: cross

Semantic entry: 6.27

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Instruments Used in Punishment and Execution

Definition: a pole stuck into the ground in an upright position with a crosspiece attached to its upper part; used as a means of execution

Notes: In RV MAT 27:32 · LV MAT 27:32 · Read together MAT 27:32 (τοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ ‘they forced him to carry Jesus’ cross’) the reference is probably to the crosspiece of the cross, which normally would have been carried by a man condemned to die.|Because of the symbolism associated with the cross, translations of the NT in all languages preserve some expression which will identify the cross, not only as a means of capital punishment, but as having a particular form, namely, an upright pole with a crossbeam. In some receptor languages the term for a cross means simply ‘crossbeam.’ In other instances it is composed of a phrase meaning ‘crossed poles.’ It is important, however, to avoid an expression which will suggest crossed sticks in the form of X rather than a cross consisting of an upright with a horizontal beam. If at all possible one should employ a term or phrase which may be used in an extended sense, since in so many contexts the term ‘cross’ refers not only to the instrument of Christ’s death, but to the event of execution. It also becomes a symbol of the message of forgiveness and of reconciliation. Because of these extended meanings, it is important to choose a form which can, if at all possible, support these additional meanings.

Further resources: realia:3.21.3