Was Jesus Crucified on a Cross or Hung on a Tree? Understanding the Biblical Language (KJV Study)
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Breaking Down Scripture the Right Way
By New Beginnings Faith Ministries
One of the most overlooked topics in Christianity today is the biblical language used to describe the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ (Yahawashi). Most people have only heard the phrase “Jesus died on the cross.” That is true — but it is not the complete picture.
The King James Version uses two different phrases:
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“crucified”
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“hanged on a tree”
At first, these phrases may sound like two different events, but they are not. They describe the same crucifixion from two different angles — a Roman angle and a Hebrew angle.
This blog post will make the difference clear, biblical, and powerful, helping your readers grow deeper in understanding and truth.
1. The Cross: The Roman Method of Execution
Crucifixion was a Roman method of punishment — brutal, painful, and designed to shame the victim publicly.
The Bible says plainly:
“…Jesus… whom ye have crucified.”
— Acts 2:36 (KJV)
The Roman government used wooden beams shaped in several styles:
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A traditional cross (†)
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A T-shaped cross
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A simple upright stake
Whichever shape was used, it was still considered a cross under Roman law.
When the Bible uses the word crucify, it emphasizes:
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The Roman legal system
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The Roman method of death
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The physical suffering Jesus endured
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The public display of His sacrifice
The word “cross” connects the reader to the historical reality of Roman execution.
2. “Hung on a Tree”: The Hebrew Understanding of a Curse
The phrase “hung on a tree” did not originate with Rome.
It originates with the Torah, the Hebrew Scriptures.
God gave Moses this instruction:
“…he that is hanged is accursed of God.”
— Deuteronomy 21:22–23 (KJV)
This teaching meant:
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Anyone hung publicly
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Anyone lifted up on wood
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Anyone exposed to shame
…was viewed as bearing a curse.
When the apostles used the phrase “tree,” they were not describing a literal fruit tree. They were describing a wooden instrument of death, in connection with the curse of the law.
For example:
“Whom they slew and hanged on a tree.”
— Acts 5:30 (KJV)
“Whom they slew and hanged on a tree.”
— Acts 10:39 (KJV)
“…and they took him down from the tree…”
— Acts 13:29 (KJV)
These verses emphasize Jesus taking the curse upon Himself on our behalf.
3. Paul Connects Both Meanings Together
Paul makes the meaning crystal clear by connecting the Torah with the crucifixion:
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us… For it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
— Galatians 3:13 (KJV)
Paul quotes from Deuteronomy and applies it directly to Jesus.
He shows:
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Jesus was crucified by Roman law
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Jesus was hung on wood, fulfilling Hebrew law
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Jesus carried the curse so we could be free
This is why both phrases are true.
4. “Cross” Describes the Method — “Tree” Describes the Meaning
Here is the simple breakdown:
Cross = the Roman method of execution
This tells us how He died.
Tree = the Hebrew understanding of bearing a curse
This tells us why His death had spiritual power.
When the Bible says “cross,” it points to:
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Nails
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Pain
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The physical sacrifice
When the Bible says “tree,” it points to:
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The curse
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Prophecy fulfilled
This is why we must teach both.
5. Both Terms Reveal Jesus’ Love in Different Ways
The Cross Shows His Suffering
Jesus willingly endured:
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Beating
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Mocking
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Crown of thorns
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Nails in His hands and feet
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Public humiliation
All for you.
All for me.
All to save us.
The Tree Shows His Redemption
He became the curse we could never remove ourselves.
“…the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
— Isaiah 53:6 (KJV)
He took the curse…
So we could receive the blessing.
6. Why This Matters in the Last Days
Many believers today:
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Don’t know their biblical foundations
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Don’t understand prophecy
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Can’t explain basic doctrine
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Only repeat what pastors say
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Never study for themselves
But God is raising up a remnant that studies the Word with truth and understanding.
When you can explain:
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Why the Bible uses “cross”
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Why the Bible uses “tree”
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What it means prophetically
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What it means spiritually
You become a stronger witness for Jesus Christ.
This kind of understanding opens the eyes of unbelievers and strengthens the faith of believers.
7. It Has NOTHING To Do With Denominations
Some groups fight about:
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Was it a cross?
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Was it a stake?
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Was it a tree?
But arguing over the shape misses the point.
The Word of God makes it plain:
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He was crucified on wood
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He was hung from that wood
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He bore the curse
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He paid the price
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He redeemed humanity
The victory is not in the shape —
The victory is in the Savior.
8. The Real Question: What Do YOU Do With His Sacrifice?
Understanding the crucifixion is powerful.
But receiving the salvation He purchased is life-changing.
Jesus (Yahawashi) died so you could be:
He bore the curse —
So you could walk in the blessing.
He carried your sin —
So you could carry His glory.
He surrendered His life —
So you could live in Him.
Final Thoughts: Honor the Sacrifice, Understand the Truth
Jesus’ death is described two ways because one event carried two powerful meanings:
Roman Meaning
He was crucified — fulfilling the physical suffering of the Messiah.
Hebrew Meaning
He was hung on a tree — fulfilling the curse of the law.
Both are true.
Both are biblical.
Both reveal the depth of His love.
The more we understand the Word, the more we understand His sacrifice.
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