Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:43

What does Matthew 27:43 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:43 means

They challenge God to deliver Jesus if he trusts in God, calling out that he said he was the Son of God. Their statement tests God’s honor and presumes that divine sonship must be publicly proved by rescue. The taunt is blasphemous in its cynicism—it treats divine relationship as a magic guarantee rather than covenantal obedience. In doing so, the leaders again display spiritual blindness and moral hardness, failing to see that God’s redemption works through suffering, not theatrical saving acts demanded by scoffers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He put his faith in God; let God be his saviour now, if he will have him; for he said, I am the Son of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said--Son of God I am;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He trusted in God: let him now deliver him if he will have him. For he said: I am the Son of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He trusted uponGod; let him save him now if he will [have] him. For he said, I am Son ofGod.

Context

Following the leaders’ scorn in verse 42, this taunt intensifies their accusation by appealing to God to act. It frames their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and precedes the robbers’ similar abuse (v. 44), highlighting the wide circle of rejection around the cross.

v.42He 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.

v.43This passage

v.44And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.

Cross references

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

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

  • Psalms 14:6

    Ye put to shame the counsel of the poor, Because Jehovah is his refuge.

  • Matthew 27:40

    and 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.

  • John 19:7

    The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

  • John 10:30

    I and the Father are one.

  • John 5:17

    But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.

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