A Roman form of execution, common during New Testament times, in which the person was put to death by tying or nailing his hands and feet to a cross. It was usually done only to slaves and the lowest criminals. Crucifixion was often preceded by scourging or whipping (Mark 15: 15). The person being crucified was usually made to carry his own cross to the place of execution (John 19: 16-17). His clothing was usually taken by the soldiers who carried out the sentence (Matt. 27: 35). The cross was driven into the ground so that the feet of the person were only a foot or two above the ground. The cross was watched by soldiers until the person on the cross died, which sometimes took up to three days (John 19: 31-37).

Jesus Christ was crucified because a group of unbelievers falsely charged him with sedition against Caesar and blasphemy because he said he was the Son of God. A purple robe (John 19: 2), a crown of thorns, and other insults were given to Jesus (Matt. 26: 67; Mark 14: 65).

The wicked will pierce the hands and feet of the Messiah, Ps. 22: 11-18. Christ will go as a lamb to the slaughter, Isa. 53: 7. Jesus foretold his crucifixion, Matt. 20: 18-19. Christ’s crucifixion is described, Matt. 27: 22-50 (Mark 15: 22-37; Luke 23: 26-46; John 19: 17-30). Nephi saw in vision the crucifixion of the Lamb of God, 1 Ne. 11: 33. Nephi told of Christ’s sufferings and crucifixion, 1 Ne. 19: 9-14. Jacob told of the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel, 2 Ne. 6: 9. Tempests, earthquakes, fires, and whirlwinds in America attested the crucifixion of Christ in Jerusalem, 3 Ne. 8. I am Jesus who was crucified, D&C 45: 51-52. The ministry of Christ among the spirits in prison was limited to the time between his death and resurrection, D&C 138: 27.