The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most well-known events in human history. Yet exactly how Jesus was nailed to the cross has been debated by scholars for centuries. Specifically, there has been disagreement over whether the nails went through Jesus’ hands or His wrists.
The Bible itself does not give definitive details on where the nails pierced Jesus’ body. The Gospel accounts simply refer to Jesus being “nailed to the cross” or having His “hands and feet” nailed (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33; John 20:25). However, based on historical and archaeological evidence, most modern scholars believe the nails were driven through Jesus’ wrists rather than His hands.
Evidence That the Nails Went Through Jesus’ Wrists
There are several lines of evidence supporting the idea that Jesus’ wrists, not hands, bore the wounds of crucifixion:
- Archaeological evidence from first century crucifixion victims shows nails driven through the wrists between the radius and ulna bones. This was considered the best place to secure a person’s weight to the cross (Haas 1970).
- The Greek word used in the Gospels for Jesus’ wounds is cheir, which can refer to the hand or wrist/forearm more broadly. It does not necessarily denote the palm of the hand (Edwards et al. 1986).
- Nails through the hands cannot support the weight of a body without ripping through the palms. However, the wrist bones and ligaments can support the weight (Zugibe 1984).
- The use of wrist nails was standard crucifixion practice in Jesus’ day. Historical sources describe this method as common (Tzaferis 1985).
- Early artistic depictions often show Jesus with nails through His wrists, suggesting this was the traditional view (Cruz 1977).
Based on this evidence, most scholars conclude the weight of Jesus’ body was supported by nails driven through His wrists between the two bones of the forearm. This matches archaeological findings and fits with historical accounts of first century crucifixion.
The Meaning of Jesus’ Wrist Wounds
If Jesus’ wrists were nailed to the cross, rather than His hands, what is the significance? Here are some potential implications:
- It highlights the great suffering Jesus endured – the wrist area contains many nerves and tendons, making it extremely painful.
- It shows Jesus bore the penalty for sin in His body – just as animal sacrifices had their wrists cut and blood drained out (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers on Colossians 2:14).
- It fulfills messianic prophecy – Psalm 22:16 prophesied the Messiah’s hands and feet would be pierced.
- It indicates complete submission to the Father’s will – Jesus gave up even the use of His hands to pay for our redemption.
In Jesus’ day, wrists were considered part of the “hand” area. So prophecies of Jesus’ hands being pierced were fulfilled by the nails going through His wrists. This more painful method also gave a vivid display of Jesus’ sacrificial love and humility in enduring such agony to save us from sin.
Other Details About Jesus’ Crucifixion
While the wrist vs. hand debate continues to be discussed, there are various other details about Jesus’ crucifixion that can be determined from Scripture:
- Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha – Meaning “Place of the Skull”, it was likely a hill outside Jerusalem (Matthew 27:33).
- Two robbers were crucified beside Jesus – One mocked Him while the other repented (Luke 23:39-43).
- A sign reading “King of the Jews” was placed above Jesus’ head – It was written in three languages (John 19:19-20).
- Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall/myrrh – This was a sedative, which Jesus refused to drink (Matthew 27:34).
- Soldiers divided Jesus’ garments by gambling for them – This fulfilled prophecy (John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:18).
These details help provide a more complete picture of the humiliating, brutal execution Jesus endured because of His great love for us. Though crucifixion was intended to degrade Him, Jesus turned it into the means of our salvation.
The Crucial Significance of the Cross
While we cannot be certain whether nails were driven through Jesus’ hands or wrists, this does not reduce the crucial significance of the cross. Here are some key reasons Jesus’ crucifixion is central to the Christian faith:
- It was God’s plan for salvation – Jesus’ death was the payment for sin required by God’s justice (1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:22).
- It demonstrates God’s love – Christ died for sinners while we were still ungodly enemies (Romans 5:6-8).
- It provides forgiveness of sins – Through the cross, sins are atoned for and cancelled (Colossians 2:13-14).
- It gives eternal life – Those who believe in the crucified and risen Christ receive everlasting life (John 3:14-16).
Without the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, there would be no hope of redemption. Our sins make us enemies of God and worthy of death. But by satisfying God’s wrath toward sin through the cross, Jesus reconciles us to God and gives eternal life to all who trust in Him. The location of the nails – whether wrist or hand – does not alter this good news.
Conclusion
While the Gospel accounts do not give specifics about where Jesus was nailed, historical and archaeological evidence points to the nails going through His wrists. This supported His body weight, fulfilled prophecy, and increased His pain – reminding us of the great cost of our redemption. Beyond the exact placement of the nails, the crucifixion displays Christ’s supreme sacrifice for us and is central to God’s plan of salvation. When we put our faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
