Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:39

What does Matthew 27:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:39 means

Passersby mock Jesus, shaking their heads at him. The action of wagging heads conveys scorn and disbelief. Their taunts reflect popular misunderstanding and contempt: they ridicule the idea that Jesus could be who he claimed. This public derision adds to his humiliation and shows that common people, like leaders and soldiers, fail to recognize the Messiah. The mocking undermines the serious spiritual reality at stake and highlights the irony that in such rejection lies the cost of salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And those who went by said bitter words to him, shaking their heads and saying,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they that passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the passers-by reviled him, shaking their heads

Context

Following the crucifixion setup with robbers (v. 38), this verse records how those passing by respond with ridicule. Their mockery parallels that of the leaders and soldiers and prepares the specific taunts that accuse Jesus of failing to fulfill his signs (vv. 40–44). The scene reveals communal unbelief at the cross.

v.38Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left.

v.39This passage

v.40and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 69:7

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

  • Psalms 69:20

    Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: And I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.

  • Psalms 31:11

    Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbors exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintance: They that did see me without fled from me.

  • Mark 15:29

    And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ha! thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

  • Luke 23:35

    And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.

  • Job 16:4

    I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you.

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