Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:29

What does Matthew 27:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:29 means

The soldiers plait a crown of thorns, place it on Jesus’ head, and give him a reed, kneeling mockingly to salute him ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ Their cruel parody of royal ceremony uses instruments of ridicule: thorns for a crown and a reed for a scepter. The taunt acknowledges the title while perverting it. This moment vividly portrays both physical pain and scorn, and it ironically points to the truth of Jesus’ kingship—mocked by men but real in God’s sight and later vindicated in the resurrection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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!

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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!

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they made a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and put a rod in his right hand, and they went down on their knees before him, and made sport of him, saying, Long life to the King of the Jews.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having plaited him a crown out of thorns they put <FI>it<Fi> on his head, and a reed in his right hand, and having kneeled before him, they were mocking him, saying, `Hail, the king of the Jews.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having woven a crown out of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and, bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Context

This verse follows the soldiers’ clothing of Jesus in a scarlet robe (v. 28) and continues the mockery. The scene’s irony intensifies: the very claims that will lead to his death are parodied by those who execute him. It sets up further abuse and the final sending to crucifixion (vv. 30–31).

v.28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

v.29This passage

v.30And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 26:49

    And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him.

  • Matthew 20:19

    and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.

  • Psalms 69:7

    Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; Shame hath covered my face.

  • Matthew 27:37

    And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

  • Jeremiah 20:7

    O Jehovah, thou hast persuaded me, and I was persuaded; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am become a laughing-stock all the day, every one mocketh me.

  • Psalms 35:15

    But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: The abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; They did tear me, and ceased not:

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