Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:28

What does Matthew 27:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:28 means

The soldiers strip Jesus and clothe him with a scarlet robe. Stripping was part of Roman humiliation before crucifixion, exposing vulnerability and shame. The scarlet robe, perhaps imitating royal attire, intensifies the irony: they mockingly dress Jesus as a king even as they degrade him. The robe’s color recalls imperial colors and adds to the satire of his claim to kingship. This act is both cruel and symbolic—turning a claim of kingship into a means of mockery before his actual exaltation in God’s economy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they took off his clothing, and put on him a red robe.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having unclothed him, they put around him a crimson cloak,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having taken off his garment, put on him a scarlet cloak;

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ removal to the praetorium (v. 27) and begins the soldiers’ mock coronation and abuse. It leads directly into the crown of thorns and further ridicule (vv. 29–31), showing how earthly power misunderstands and humiliates the true King while fulfilling the passion’s prophecies of suffering.

v.27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Prætorium, and gathered unto him the whole band.

v.28This passage

v.29And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 15:17

    And they clothe him with purple, and platting a crown of thorns, they put it on him;

  • John 19:2

    And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment;

  • Luke 23:11

    And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.

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