It is widely believed in Christendom that Jesus Christ was killed on a cross. However, the Greek word 'stauros', which is normally translated 'cross' in English Bibles, really means a stake or pole. Indeed, the crucifix symbol probably has pagan origins.
Walakini neno la Kiyunani ‘stauros’, ambalo kwa kawaida limetafsiriwa ‘msalaba’ katika Biblia, maana yake hasa ni mti ambao umesimikwa ardhini kama nguzo au mti wa kuchonga. Hakika, alama ya sanamu ya Yesu Kristo amepigiliwa msalabani imeelekea kuwa chanzo chake ni kwenye upagani.