Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:30

What does Matthew 27:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:30 means

The soldiers spit upon Jesus and beat him with the reed, striking his head. The spitting and striking add layers of contempt and physical torment to the earlier mock coronation. These actions emphasize the depth of human cruelty and the humiliation Jesus endures. The blows to his head where the crown of thorns sits heighten his suffering. These details underscore the reality of Jesus’ physical agony and the scorn he bore from those who executed him, fulfilling the pattern of humiliation in the passion narrative.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they put shame on him, and gave him blows on the head with the rod.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having spit on him, they took the reed, and were smiting on his head;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having spit upon him, they took the reed and beat [him] on his head.

Context

This verse follows the soldiers’ mock salute in verse 29 and heightens the physical abuse. It leads directly to the removal of the robe and return of his garments (v. 31) as they prepare him for crucifixion. The episode contrasts earthly mockery with the spiritual truth of Jesus’ kingship.

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!

v.30This passage

v.31And when they had mocked him, they took off from him the robe, and put on him his garments, and led him away to crucify him.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 15:19

    And they smote his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

  • Job 30:8

    They arechildren of fools, yea, children of base men; They were scourged out of the land.

  • Isaiah 49:7

    Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands,

  • Isaiah 50:6

    I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

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