Breakdown of Matthew 27:39-44

"And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the s…" — The verse highlights the casual cruelty of the crowd; they didn't even stop to mock Jesus, but reviled him in passing. This gesture of "wagging their heads" was a common sign of utter contempt and de…

Matthew 27:39-44 Meaning Explained

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Matthew 27:39-44

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse highlights the casual cruelty of the crowd; they didn't even stop to mock Jesus, but reviled him in passing. This gesture of "wagging their heads" was a common sign of utter contempt and derision, showing how the onlookers dismissed him as a pathetic failure.

What Matthew 27:39-44 means

As Jesus hangs on the cross, enduring the agony of crucifixion, a crowd gathers. Those passing by, both ordinary people and the religious leaders who condemned him, mock and insult him in his suffering. They challenge his claims of kingship, urging him to come down from the cross if he truly is the Son of God, oblivious to the divine purpose unfolding in his sacrifice.

The Silent Endurance of Mockery

Imagine the scene: a public road, a brutal execution, and a crowd that adds insult to injury. What does Jesus' silence in the face of such abuse reveal about His mission?

The verse describes passersby 'deriding him, wagging their heads.' This wasn't just casual observation; it was a deliberate, public act of contempt.

A Gesture of Scorn

Wagging one's head in that culture was a universally understood sign of mockery, insult, and disdain. It was a way of saying, 'Look at this pathetic fool!' They reveled in his apparent helplessness and the humiliation of his crucifixion.

The King Who Wouldn't Save Himself

These jeers likely focused on his claim to be 'King of Israel.' The crowd saw his suffering and interpreted it as proof that he was no king at all. If he were truly chosen or powerful, why would he be in this agonizing situation? They wanted a Messiah who would bring immediate earthly glory, not one who would suffer.

A Silent Response

Crucially, Jesus doesn't respond to these taunts with anger or defense. His silence in this moment mirrors the prophetic picture of the suffering servant who is 'oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth' (Isaiah 53:7). This isn't the silence of defeat, but the intentional, powerful silence of one who understands the purpose of his suffering.

Suffering with the King

Jesus was crucified 'numbered among the transgressors.' This wasn't just a historical detail; it was a profound statement about his mission and our call to follow him.

The crowds' derision wasn't just aimed at a suffering man; it was directed at Jesus, the King of Israel, who was enduring the punishment meant for criminals.

King Without a Throne

His kingship was on display in a way no one expected. Not with a crown and scepter, but with a cross and thorns. The leaders mocked him: 'He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him' (Matthew 27:42). They wanted a king who would fight for them, but Jesus' fight was for their salvation, even unto death.

Understand the original words

Original language

deridedβλασφημέω

blasphēmeō · Greek Verb

To mock, sneer, or insult someone contemptuously. It denotes both verbal abuse and an attitude of scornful superiority.

templeναός

naos · Greek Noun

In biblical thought, the physical place of God’s dwelling among His people. Jesus refers to his own body as the temple, signaling a shift from a literal building to the presence of God manifested in the incarnate Christ.

Son of Godυἱός θεοῦ

huios theou · Greek Noun phrase

A title used for Jesus that indicates his divine nature, unique relationship with the Father, and messianic identity. It is often used in the Gospels as a test of his authority and divinity.

crossσταυρός

stauros · Greek Noun

A wooden structure used for Roman executions. Theologically, it represents the place where Jesus bore the curse for humanity's sin, acting as the bridge between God's holiness and mankind's need for salvation.

Historical context

Written: Around 30-33 AD.
Author: Traditionally Matthew the Apostle, though some scholars suggest a later date and different author based on linguistic analysis.
Location: Jerusalem, during Jesus' crucifixion.
Genre: Gospel narrative, a distinct genre within the New Testament that recounts the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, characterized by theological interpretation alongside historical reporting.

Historical background

The act of 'wagging their heads' was a deeply contemptuous gesture, echoing Old Testament prophecies and reflecting the intense public scorn Jesus faced during his crucifixion, amplified by the crowds present in Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus of Nazareth's public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman authorities in Jerusalem.
c. 27-30 AD
Roman Crucifixion Practices
Crucifixion was a brutal Roman method of execution used for criminals and political rebels, often carried out on public roads or near city gates to serve as a public spectacle and deterrent.
c. 27-30 AD
Jerusalem as a Roman Provincial Capital
During this period, Jerusalem was under Roman occupation, with Pontius Pilate serving as the Roman governor, responsible for maintaining order and enforcing Roman law.
c. 27-30 AD
Passover Festival Atmosphere
The crucifixion likely occurred during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims, increasing the public nature of Jesus' execution.

Key themes

01Public scorn and mockery
02Silent suffering endured
03Contempt for the King

Cross-references

Psalm 22:7

This Old Testament passage directly foreshadows the mocking and derision Jesus would face, describing the very gesture of 'wagging their heads' in contempt.

Isaiah 53:3

This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'despised and rejected by mankind,' highlighting the scorn and public humiliation that would be heaped upon the Messiah, as seen in the passers-by's reaction.

Lamentations 2:15

This verse speaks of enemies clapping their hands and shaking their heads at Jerusalem's destruction, a similar expression of malicious joy and derision that was directed at Jesus on the cross.

Luke 23:35

This parallel account confirms the derision Jesus endured, noting that the people 'stood looking on,' and the rulers 'scoffed at him,' emphasizing the widespread scorn from different groups.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 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…
henry

Matthew 27:39: "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,"

Wagging their heads - In token of contempt.
clarke

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Explain the meaning of Matthew 27:39-44

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What Matthew 27:39-44 means

Original language

deridedβλασφημέω

blasphēmeō · Greek Verb

To mock, sneer, or insult someone contemptuously. It denotes both verbal abuse and an attitude of scornful superiority.

templeναός

naos · Greek Noun

Son of Godυἱός θεοῦ

huios theou · Greek Noun phrase

A title used for Jesus that indicates his divine nature, unique relationship with the Father, and messianic identity. It is often used in the Gospels as a test of his authority and divinity.

crossσταυρός

stauros · Greek Noun

Historical context

Written: Around 30-33 AD.
Author: Traditionally Matthew the Apostle, though some scholars suggest a later date and different author based on linguistic analysis.
Location: Jerusalem, during Jesus' crucifixion.
Genre: Gospel narrative, a distinct genre within the New Testament that recounts the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, characterized by theological interpretation alongside historical reporting.

Historical background

c. 27-30 AD— this verse

Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion

Jesus of Nazareth's public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman authorities in Jerusalem.

c. 27-30 AD

Roman Crucifixion Practices

Crucifixion was a brutal Roman method of execution used for criminals and political rebels, often carried out on public roads or near city gates to serve as a public spectacle and deterrent.

c. 27-30 AD

Jerusalem as a Roman Provincial Capital

During this period, Jerusalem was under Roman occupation, with Pontius Pilate serving as the Roman governor, responsible for maintaining order and enforcing Roman law.

c. 27-30 AD

Passover Festival Atmosphere

The crucifixion likely occurred during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims, increasing the public nature of Jesus' execution.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 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…
henry

Matthew 27:39: "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,"

Wagging their heads - In token of contempt.
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Matthew 27:39-44 mean?

Explain the meaning of Matthew 27:39-44

What is the context of Matthew 27:39-44?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "derided" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Traditionally Matthew the Apostle, though some scholars suggest a later date and different author based on linguistic analysis. write Matthew 27:39-44?”
“How does public scorn and mockery show up in Matthew 27:39-44?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Matthew 27:39-44 is available in the Sola app.