And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

MARK 15:22KJV
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Mark 15:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:22 mean?

Mark 15:22 says that Jesus was brought to a place called Golgotha, which means "The place of a skull." This verse simply describes the location where Jesus was taken to be crucified, giving both the original name and its meaning for readers who might not know the local language.

The verse is part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, as told by Mark. Roman soldiers are leading Jesus out of Jerusalem to the execution site. By explaining the name "Golgotha" (an Aramaic word) and its meaning, Mark helps his readers—many of whom were likely not from the area—understand where these events took place and sets the scene for what follows.

The Greek behind Mark 15:22

  • Γολγοθᾶ (Golgotha, G1115): This is a transliteration of the Aramaic name for the site. Mark keeps the original word, then explains it for his audience.
  • κρανίου (kraniou, G2898): This Greek word means "skull." Mark uses it to translate the meaning of Golgotha, making the location’s name clear to Greek-speaking readers.
  • μεθερμηνευόμενον (methermēneuomenon, G3177): This word means "being interpreted" or "translated." Mark signals that he is explaining the local term, showing his care to make the story understandable to outsiders.

Why Mark 15:22 matters

  • Mark’s explanation of "Golgotha" as "The place of a skull" helps readers from outside Judea understand the significance of the location, showing that the Gospel was meant for a broad audience.
  • By naming the place so specifically, Mark roots the crucifixion in a real, physical location, emphasizing that these events happened in history, not just in legend or symbol.
  • The detail about the name prepares readers for the solemn events that follow, marking a turning point in the narrative as Jesus arrives at the site of his crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“Golgotha” Greek G1115 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 27:33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
  • John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

“skull” Greek G2898 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
  • John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

“interpreted” Greek G3177 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

“bring” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.