Matthew 27:39
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 27:39
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This wasn't just random passersby; the text implies the place of crucifixion was near a public road, turning Jesus's suffering into a spectacle for anyone going about their day. The "wagging heads" weren't just a sign of contempt, but a specific gesture of mocking disbelief at someone who claimed kingship yet hung helpless on a cross.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, enduring immense suffering and the mockery of onlookers, passersby join in the taunts, expressing their contempt by shaking their heads. This public spectacle of ridicule, which fulfilled ancient prophecies, highlights how even in His deepest humiliation, Jesus remained steadfast, bearing the weight of sin and facing rejection.
Imagine walking by a scene of immense suffering. Instead of compassion, you encounter mockery. What does this say about the human heart?
The verse describes a chilling scene: people passing by the cross not with pity, but with contempt. The phrase 'wagging their heads' was a universal gesture of scorn, a public display of ridicule.
A Calculated Insult
These weren't random passersby; many were likely locals or officials who had witnessed Jesus' trial. Their taunts, as detailed in the surrounding verses, questioned His claims to be the King of Israel and even His identity as the Son of God. It was a deliberate attempt to undermine any hope or belief in Him.
The Deepest Hurt
This wasn't just physical agony Jesus endured; it was the profound emotional pain of being rejected and mocked by the very people He came to save. The crowd's actions highlight the harsh reality of how easily people can turn away from suffering and even delight in the downfall of those who claim a higher calling.
When faced with intense mockery and humiliation, Jesus had the power to retaliate. What does His chosen response reveal about His mission?
While the crowd hurled insults and gestures of contempt, Jesus remained silent. This wasn't a sign of weakness, but a deliberate act of obedience and love.
The Power of Silence
His silence in the face of accusation and derision, as described here and in other Gospel accounts, is a profound testament to His inner strength and focus on His Father's will. He could have called down legions of angels, but He chose to endure the suffering.
Fulfilling Prophecy
This quiet endurance under the weight of public scorn was not accidental. It fulfilled ancient prophecies that foretold the Messiah would be 'despised and rejected by men' and would 'open not his mouth' (Isaiah 53:3, 7). His silence demonstrated His commitment to the sacrificial path God had laid out for Him.
Understand the original words
blasphēmeō · Greek Verb
To mock, sneer, or insult someone contemptuously. It denotes both verbal abuse and an attitude of scornful superiority.
The taunts and mockery Jesus endured from passersby at the cross were a public spectacle, reflecting the societal disdain for criminals and blasphemers, and fulfilling ancient prophecies about the suffering Messiah.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus is crucified by Roman soldiers under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. The crucifixion takes place outside the city walls of Jerusalem, near a public road.
c. 30 AD
Mockery at the Cross
Passersby, including soldiers, the chief priests, scribes, elders, and the two criminals crucified with Jesus, taunt and mock him. This fulfills prophecies from the Old Testament.
c. 30 AD
Darkness and Earthquake
A supernatural darkness covers the land for three hours, and a violent earthquake occurs when Jesus dies. The earthquake shakes the ground and splits rocks, including the temple curtain.
c. 30 AD
Roman Centurion's Confession
A Roman centurion, witnessing Jesus' death and the surrounding supernatural events, declares, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
This psalm, which Jesus himself quoted from the cross, directly predicts the derision and mockery he would face, specifically mentioning people shaking their heads in scorn.
Isaiah 53:3This prophetic passage describes the suffering servant as 'despised and rejected by mankind,' which is exactly what the passers-by demonstrated through their scornful gestures.
Lamentations 2:15This verse speaks of enemies clapping their hands and wagging their heads at Jerusalem in mockery, a parallel action to the derision Jesus endured on the cross.
Luke 23:35This passage in Luke describes a similar scene where the people and their rulers also mocked Jesus, showing the widespread contempt he faced even in his suffering.
henryMatthew 27:35-44: "And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots."
27:35-44 It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified wit…
clarkeMatthew 27:39: "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,"
Wagging their heads - In token of contempt.
This wasn't just random passersby; the text implies the place of crucifixion was near a public road, turning Jesus's suffering into a spectacle for anyone going about their day. The "wagging heads" weren't just a sign of contempt, but a specific gesture of mocking disbelief at someone who claimed kingship yet hung helpless on a cross.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, enduring immense suffering and the mockery of onlookers, passersby join in the taunts, expressing their contempt by shaking their heads. This public spectacle of ridicule, which fulfilled ancient prophecies, highlights how even in His deepest humiliation, Jesus remained steadfast, bearing the weight of sin and facing rejection.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, enduring immense suffering and the mockery of onlookers, passersby join in the taunts, expressing their contempt by shaking their heads. This public spectacle of ridicule, which fulfilled ancient prophecies, highlights how even in His deepest humiliation, Jesus remained steadfast, bearing the weight of sin and facing rejection.
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c. 30 AD
Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, asks Pilate for Jesus' body. He takes it down, wraps it in clean linen, and places it in his own new tomb, rolling a stone in front of the entrance.
"And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads" — This wasn't just random passersby; the text implies the place of crucifixion was near a public road, turning Jesus's suffering into a spectacle for anyone going about their day. The "wagging heads" w…