Matthew 27:28-29
And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The soldiers dressed Jesus in a scarlet robe, which was a military cloak worn by Roman officers and even royalty. This detail highlights the cruel mockery they intended, dressing him in the garb of a king while preparing him for a criminal's death.
The Roman soldiers, having mocked Jesus and crowned him with thorns, now continue their cruel sport by stripping him and dressing him in a royal-looking robe. This act is a deliberate insult, a mockery of his claim to be King of the Jews, by dressing him in the garb of royalty and military authority, likely a soldier's cloak. They then proceed to kneel before him in mock reverence, further emphasizing their derision before leading him away to be crucified.
Imagine the scene: rough soldiers, their laughter echoing. They strip the King of Glory and throw a robe on him. But this wasn't just any garment.
The soldiers took a 'scarlet robe' (or 'purple' as other Gospels mention) – likely a discarded military cloak. This wasn't a new, regal garment, but a used one, perhaps from an officer. It was the kind of cloak worn by Roman generals or governors, signifying authority. By draping Jesus in this, the soldiers were making a cruel joke, mocking his claim to be King of the Jews. It was a sign of contempt, not honor.
Beyond the immediate mockery, this robe held a deeper, symbolic meaning pointing to Jesus' ultimate mission.
This act wasn't just about humiliation; it foreshadowed Jesus' work. The scarlet color, often associated with sin ('like scarlet,' Isaiah 1:18), symbolized that Jesus was being clothed with our sins. He was taking on the penalty for humanity's rebellion. This garment, drenched in the soldiers' cruelty, also became a visual marker for the bloodshed and suffering He was about to endure.
Understand the original words
kokkinos · Greek Adjective
A bright, deep red or purple color, often associated with royalty, authority, and majesty in the ancient world.
chlamys · Greek Noun
A royal garment, often purple or red, worn to denote high status, authority, or kingly power.
stephanos · Greek Noun
An object placed on the head as a symbol of authority, honor, or victory; here used ironically to mock Jesus as a king.
kalamos · Greek Noun
A dry stalk of a plant used as a makeshift scepter to mock Christ's claim to kingship.
The soldiers' act of dressing Jesus in a scarlet robe was a deliberate and cruel mockery, using a garment associated with royalty and military command to deride his claim to kingship.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Trial and Condemnation
Following his arrest, Jesus is interrogated and tried by Jewish authorities and then by the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate.
c. 27-30 AD
Pilate's Hesitation
Pontius Pilate, pressured by the crowd and Jewish leaders, struggles with the decision to condemn Jesus, even washing his hands symbolically.
c. 27-30 AD
Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned
Pilate releases the prisoner Barabbas to the crowd and hands Jesus over to be scourged and crucified.
c. 27-30 AD
Mockery by Soldiers
Roman soldiers mock Jesus, dressing him in a scarlet robe, crowning him with thorns, and hailing him as 'King of the Jews'.
c. 27-30 AD
This passage speaks of sins being like scarlet or red, which connects to the soldiers mocking Jesus by clothing him in a scarlet robe, ironically symbolizing the sins he was about to bear.
Luke 23:11This passage describes Herod's soldiers mocking Jesus with a 'bright robe,' showing a parallel instance of soldiers using regal clothing to insult and humiliate Jesus.
John 19:2John's Gospel specifically mentions the soldiers clothing Jesus in 'purple,' highlighting the consistent theme of them dressing Him in royal attire to mock His claim of kingship.
Philippians 2:7-8This passage speaks of Jesus emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, which contrasts sharply with the soldiers' actions of clothing Him in a robe to mock Him as king, emphasizing His humility in suffering.
vincentMatthew 27:28: "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe."
Robe (χλαμύδα)The short military cloak which kings and emperors as well as soldiers wore.
gillMatthew 27:28: "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe."
And they stripped him,.... Of his clothes; at least of his upper garment: for one man to spit upon another, as these soldiers afterwards did on Christ, or to strip him of his garment, according to the Jewish canons, were punishable with a fine of four hundred pence (z), which amounted to twelve pounds and ten shillings of our money; but the soldiers were in no danger of being prosecuted, for stripping Christ. This is one par…
The soldiers dressed Jesus in a scarlet robe, which was a military cloak worn by Roman officers and even royalty. This detail highlights the cruel mockery they intended, dressing him in the garb of a king while preparing him for a criminal's death.
The Roman soldiers, having mocked Jesus and crowned him with thorns, now continue their cruel sport by stripping him and dressing him in a royal-looking robe. This act is a deliberate insult, a mockery of his claim to be King of the Jews, by dressing him in the garb of royalty and military authority, likely a soldier's cloak. They then proceed to kneel before him in mock reverence, further emphasizing their derision before leading him away to be crucified.
The Roman soldiers, having mocked Jesus and crowned him with thorns, now continue their cruel sport by stripping him and dressing him in a royal-looking robe. This act is a deliberate insult, a mockery of his claim to be King of the Jews, by dressing him in the garb of royalty and military authority, likely a soldier's cloak. They then proceed to kneel before him in mock reverence, further emphasizing their derision before leading him away to be crucified.
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empaizō · Greek Verb
To express contempt or ridicule through imitation, gestures, or words; in the Passion narrative, it serves to dehumanize Jesus while ironically affirming His royal identity.
basileus · Greek Noun
A title of sovereignty used for the promised Messiah who would rule over the covenant people of God, often contested by Roman authorities.
Jesus Carries the Cross
Jesus, weakened by scourging, is forced to carry his cross, with Simon of Cyrene compelled to help him.
c. 27-30 AD
Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified between two criminals at Golgotha, enduring immense suffering and mockery.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Death and Burial
Jesus dies on the cross, and his body is taken down and buried in a tomb.
"And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”" — The soldiers dressed Jesus in a scarlet robe, which was a military cloak worn by Roman officers and even royalty. This detail highlights the cruel mockery they intended, dressing him in the garb of a…
