Public Shame
Hebrews 6:6
The figurative meaning of they are again crucifying the Son of God must be marked in some languages as a simile; for example, “it is just as if they were again crucifying the Son of God” or “it is just as though they were again nailing the Son of God to a cross.” If one adopts meaning (b), it is possible to say “in themselves” or “as far as they themselves are concerned.” But this meaning seems presupposed in view of the figurative significance of “crucifying the Son of God.” This could only have a so-called spiritual meaning with reference to the individuals themselves.
Exposing him to public shame means either (1) “holding him up as a warning to others,” (2) “causing others to look down on Christ,” or (3) “causing others to ridicule Christ.” Here (2) or (3) fits the context better than (1). Criminals were exposed in this way by being crucified or otherwise punished in public.
Ellingworth, Paul, and Eugene Albert Nida. A Handbook on the Letter to the Hebrews. New York: United Bible Societies, 1994. Print. UBS Handbook Series.
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