Q&A Home > C > Crucifixion

Where were the nails dug; on the wrist or palm of our Lord Jesus Christ?

It is more likely that the nails went through our Lord Jesus Christ's wrists. The Greek meaning of "hands" includes the wrist. If the nails were driven into the hands, the weight of the arms would cause the nail to rip through the soft flesh Therefore, the upper body would not be held to the cross. If placed in the wrist, the bones in the lower portion of the hand support the weight of the arms and the body remains nailed to the cross. The huge nail (seven to nine inches long) damages or severs the major nerve to the hand (the median nerve) upon impact. This causes continuous agonizing pain up both of Christ's arms.