Why do Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was crucified on a stake and not on a cross? Nothing in the Bible mentions a cross. Is this another example of people taking or adding to the Word of God? If the Bible doesn’t mention the stake then surely it is a false doctrine?
Answer
The Greek word that is generally translated “cross” is more properly translated “stake” or “execution stake.” So the Jehovah’s Witnesses are not wrong in preferring to translate the word properly. However, they may be wrong in insisting that it not be a cross. The standard method of Roman execution was crucifixion. There is much debate as to what kind of execution stake it was. The Jehovah’s Witnesses insist, without proof, that it was a simple pole or stake. Some say it was an X-shaped cross. Others say it was the T-shaped Roman cross with which we generally portray his execution. What is important is that Jesus was executed and rose from the grave, not the type of stake or cross on which he was hung.