Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:42

What does Matthew 27:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:42 means

The leaders mock Jesus’ power and kingship—saying he saved others but cannot save himself, and challenging him to come down from the cross so they might believe. Their taunt is laden with irony: while acknowledging his past miracles, they demand a display of power to convert them. The request is insincere, revealing their unbelief. The leaders refuse to accept atonement accomplished in suffering and demand spectacle instead of accepting the submissive, sacrificial path of the Messiah.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He saved others; himself he cannot save. He is the King of Israel; let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe on him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He saved others; himself he cannot save. He is the King of Israel; let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe on him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

A saviour of others, he has no salvation for himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will have faith in him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He saved others: himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross: and we will believe him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He saved others, himself he cannot save. He is King of Israel: let him descend now from the cross, and we will believe on him.

Context

This verse follows the leaders’ mockery (v. 41) and develops their argument that Jesus’ suffering disproves his claims. Their skepticism and demand for a miraculous sign deepen their culpability. The theological irony is that faith is sought in spectacle rather than in the obedient, sacrificial work Jesus is accomplishing.

v.41In like manner also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

v.42This passage

v.43He trusteth on God; let him deliver him now, if he desireth him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Cross references

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

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.

  • Matthew 2:2

    Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

  • John 12:47

    And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

  • John 12:13

    took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.

  • Acts 4:14

    And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

  • Matthew 27:37

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

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