Kevin_1 said
Does the greek word for cross indicate wether Jesus was crucified on a crossbeam or a simple upright stake? Is there any other references that would indicate which one? Also when did the the cross (crossbeam) as symbol makes its appearance in christianity?Kevin
I believe the Greek word for the execution instrument means simply a “pole”, saying nothing about possible accessories or possible support structures. Interestingly, the original meaning of the Latin word root “crux” is the same, although with the meaning “a curved piece of wood”.
On the other hand the etymological explanation for a word is less interesting than its actual usage in a certain historical period. In this period a crucifixion pole could have various designs, including a foot support or various crossbeams. The idea was obviously to prolong the suffering.
My guess is that Christian posterity did not know what kind of instrument design the Romans actually applied to Jesus, second century Christians simply extrapolated backwards from the practices they observed in their own time.
So was it the spear (λόγχη, ης, ἡ) piercing Jesus’ side that made the his crucifixion last just a few hours, even though “The idea was obviously to prolong the suffering”? And was it not customary to leave the executed on the cross after death to rot or be eaten by scavengers? Yet the NT says Jesus’ body was taken down shortly after his death.
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