κρεμάννυμι

I hang up, suspend

Definition

The verb κρεμάννυμι means to hang or suspend something, often with the implication of hanging from a fixed point. In its active voice, it refers to the action of hanging an object, such as a millstone (Matthew 18:6) or a person on a tree or cross (Acts 5:30, Acts 10:39). In the middle voice, it can describe the state of being hung or suspended, as seen in Luke 23:39 where the criminal is 'hanging' on a cross. Figuratively, it expresses dependence, as in the idea that all the Law and Prophets 'hang' on the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:40).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 7 times in the New Testament, used in Gospels, Acts, and an Epistle. It describes both literal hanging of objects or persons and metaphorical dependence. Literal uses include the grim imagery of execution by hanging on a tree or cross (Acts 5:30, Galatians 3:13) and the accidental hanging of Paul by a viper (Acts 28:4). The metaphorical use appears only in Matthew 22:40 to signify how the entire Law depends on love for God and neighbor. The middle voice is used in Luke 23:39 to describe the state of the crucified criminals.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ker- meaning 'to hang'. It is a primary verb in Greek, with cognates like κρημνός (kremnos, 'steep bank or cliff'). The basic meaning of suspending or hanging has remained consistent, though its application expanded to include figurative dependence.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used in contexts of divine judgment and redemption. In Galatians 3:13, quoting Deuteronomy 21:23, it underscores the curse-bearing nature of Christ's crucifixion—'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' This informs the doctrine of atonement, showing Christ taking the curse of the law upon himself. In Acts 5:30 and 10:39, it highlights the early church's proclamation of Jesus' death by hanging on a tree, emphasizing its centrality to the gospel message. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting the physical act of crucifixion to its profound theological implications in the New Testament.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish cultural setting, hanging, especially on a tree or cross, was a form of execution associated with shame, curse, and public humiliation. Deuteronomy 21:23 explicitly states that a person hung on a tree is under God's curse, a concept the New Testament writers directly engage with (Galatians 3:13). This differs from some modern, more neutral understandings of hanging. The imagery of a heavy millstone being hung around someone's neck (Matthew 18:6) would have been understood as a proverbial expression for a catastrophic, inescapable fate.

ἀνασκολοπίζω (anaskolopizō, G385) — specifically means to impale or crucify on a stake. κρεμάω (kremaō, G2910 variant) — a later, more common form of the same verb with identical meaning.

Word Details

Scripture References