Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:49

What does Matthew 27:49 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:49 means

Others tell those present to leave him alone and see whether Elijah will come to save him. Their words reveal further mockery and skepticism—some want to test whether prophetic rescue occurs. The response is sarcastic and incredulous; they do not grasp Jesus’ true condition. Matthew records this to show the depth of unbelief present: rather than feeling pity or reverence, people treat the crucifixion as spectacle and possible disproof of messianic claims, failing to recognize God’s redemptive purpose unfolding before them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the rest said, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to save him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the rest said, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to save him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the rest said, Let him be; let us see if Elijah will come to his help.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but the rest said, `Let alone, let us see if Elijah doth come--about to save him.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the others said: Let be. Let us see whether Elias will come to deliver him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the rest said, Let be; let us see if Elias comes to save him.

Context

This verse follows the giving of vinegar (v. 48) and shows the crowd’s continued misinterpretation and cynical curiosity. It sets the stage for Jesus’ final vocal act—another loud cry—and his death (v. 50), showing that even moments that could elicit mercy become tests of unbelief.

v.48And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

v.49This passage

v.50And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 27

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 27.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 27:49.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary