hang´ing ( תּלה , tālāh , "to hang up," "suspend," 2 Samuel 21:12; Deuteronomy 28:66; Job 26:7; Psalm 137:2; Song of Solomon 4:4; Hosea 11:7 ): Generally, where the word is used in connection with punishments, it appears to have reference to the hanging of the corpse after execution. We find but two clear instances of death by hanging, i.e. strangulation - those of Ahithophel and Judas ((2 Samuel 17:23; Matthew 27:5 ), and both these were eases of suicide, not of execution. The foregoing Hebrew word is clearly used for "hanging" as a mode of execution in Esther 5:14; Esther 6:4; Esther 7:9; Esther 8:7; Esther 9:13 , Esther 9:14 , Esther 9:25; but probably the "gallows" or "tree" (עץ , ‛ēc ) was a stake for the purpose of impaling the victim. It could be lowered for this purpose, then raised "fifty cubits high" to arrest the public gaze. The Greek word used in Matthew 27:5 is ἀπάγχεσθαι , apágchesthai , "to strangle oneself." See HDB , article "Hanging," for an exhaustive discussion.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More