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Introduction: The Significance of Jehohanan’s Discovery

The discovery of the remains of Jehohanan, a man crucified in the first century C.E., provides a compelling intersection of archaeology and biblical narrative. Unearthed in 1968 at Giv’at ha-Mivtar, a suburb of Jerusalem, this find is the only known physical evidence of Roman crucifixion from the period in which Jesus was executed. The archaeological context, combined with the preserved nail driven through the heel bone, offers profound insights into the historical and cultural realities of crucifixion, as vividly described in the New Testament. This discovery lends weight to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death, enriching our understanding of the method and brutality of Roman execution practices.

The significance of this find lies not merely in the confirmation of historical crucifixion but in its ability to contextualize the crucifixion of Jesus as described in the Gospels (Matthew 27:32–50; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–37). By examining the evidence in detail, we can better appreciate how the archaeological record complements and substantiates the scriptural testimony.

The Discovery: Unearthing Jehohanan’s Remains

In 1968, during routine construction work at Giv’at ha-Mivtar, a Jewish burial cave from the first century C.E. was uncovered. Among the ossuaries (stone bone boxes) found in the tomb was one containing the bones of a man named Jehohanan, identified by an inscription on the ossuary. The skeletal remains bore a striking and unique feature: a large nail, 11.5 centimeters long, embedded in the right heel bone. This discovery, examined by archaeologist Vassilios Tzaferis and later analyzed in detail by Nicu Haas, confirmed that Jehohanan had been crucified.

The preservation of the nail was due to its being bent, likely during the nailing process, which made it impossible to extract from the wood or the bone. This fortuitous detail provides physical evidence of crucifixion as a Roman execution practice, a method described in historical sources such as Josephus and Tacitus and corroborated by the New Testament.

The burial in a rock-hewn tomb also aligns with first-century Jewish burial customs, as noted in John 19:38–42, where Jesus is described as being buried in a new tomb carved out of rock. Jehohanan’s burial in a family tomb suggests he may have been executed for a non-political crime, as insurrectionists or rebels were often left unburied to desecrate their memory.

The Method of Crucifixion: Insights from Jehohanan’s Remains

Jehohanan’s skeleton provides rare and direct evidence of the physical mechanics of crucifixion. The nail through the heel bone, along with traces of injuries on his wrists, indicates a method of affixing the condemned to the cross that matches historical descriptions. While traditional Christian art often depicts nails driven through the palms, Jehohanan’s remains suggest that nails were more commonly driven through the wrists or lower forearm, which could better support the weight of the body.

The nail in the heel also challenges some assumptions about how the feet were secured. Rather than overlapping feet nailed together, as often depicted in art, the evidence suggests that the feet might have been nailed separately to the sides of the cross or with a single nail pinning each heel to the upright post. This interpretation aligns with the brutal efficiency of Roman execution methods, designed to maximize pain and prolong suffering.

The Gospel of John notes that Roman soldiers broke the legs of those crucified alongside Jesus to hasten their deaths (John 19:31–33). This practice, known as crurifragium, is absent in Jehohanan’s remains, suggesting that he died from asphyxiation or shock before leg-breaking was necessary. This parallels the account of Jesus, whose legs were not broken, fulfilling the prophecy, “Not one of his bones will be broken” (John 19:36; cf. Psalm 34:20).

Theological Implications: Crucifixion and the Gospels

The archaeological evidence from Jehohanan’s remains vividly underscores the horrors of crucifixion as a form of execution. For Christians, this brutal method takes on profound theological significance in the context of Jesus’ sacrificial death. The physical suffering endured during crucifixion illuminates passages such as Isaiah 53:5, which prophetically describes the Messiah as “pierced for our transgressions.”

Furthermore, the details of Jesus’ crucifixion recorded in the Gospels gain a new dimension of credibility. For example, the account of Roman soldiers driving nails into Jesus’ hands and feet (Luke 24:39–40; John 20:25) aligns with the forensic evidence of Jehohanan’s injuries. The discovery also supports the historical plausibility of Pilate’s authorization of crucifixion (Matthew 27:26), an execution method widely used by the Romans to punish criminals, especially those perceived as threats to Roman authority.

The manner in which crucifixion inflicted maximum suffering highlights the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice. Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus as “obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross,” emphasizing the extent of His humiliation and suffering for humanity’s redemption. The discovery of Jehohanan’s remains serves as a tangible reminder of the reality of this sacrifice, anchoring the theological truths of the New Testament in historical fact.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

The discovery of Jehohanan’s remains also enriches our understanding of crucifixion as a widespread practice during the Roman occupation of Judea. Tacitus, the Roman historian, notes that crucifixion was reserved for slaves, criminals, and rebels. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts multiple instances of mass crucifixions during the Jewish War (66–73 C.E.), providing further historical context.

Jehohanan’s remains confirm the use of wooden crosses, nails, and other implements consistent with descriptions found in ancient literature. This discovery also aligns with the Gospel accounts that describe the Roman soldiers using nails and erecting a wooden sign over Jesus’ head with the charge against Him written on it (Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26).

Conclusion: Archaeology Affirming Scripture

The discovery of Jehohanan’s remains at Giv’at ha-Mivtar stands as a remarkable testament to the historical accuracy of the New Testament. By providing physical evidence of Roman crucifixion practices, this find corroborates the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death, reinforcing their credibility. The gruesome reality of crucifixion, as evidenced by Jehohanan’s injuries, deepens our understanding of the physical and spiritual suffering endured by Jesus.

This intersection of archaeology and Scripture not only illuminates the historical context of the New Testament but also affirms the reliability of the biblical narrative. As Jesus’ crucifixion stands at the heart of Christian theology, the discovery of Jehohanan’s remains underscores the historical and spiritual significance of the cross, reminding believers of the tangible reality of their Savior’s sacrifice.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).