Devine Scripture

Mark 15:27

What does Mark 15:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:27 means

Two robbers are crucified with Jesus, one on each side. This places Jesus between common criminals, fulfilling the shame of crucifixion and connecting him with sinners. The detail emphasizes his identification with the guilty—he dies among transgressors. It also sets up the later contrast in Luke between the repentant thief and the unrepentant one; Mark here simply notes the company of criminals, highlighting the ignominy of Jesus’ death and underscoring his solidarity with those condemned.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they put two thieves on crosses with him, one on his right side, and one on his left.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And with him they crucify two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on his left,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And with him they crucify two thieves: the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And with him they crucify two robbers, one on his right hand, and one on his left.

Context

This immediately follows the inscription. Jesus is not alone; he hangs between two robbers, which amplifies the humiliation and fulfills prophetic expectations of being numbered with transgressors. The presence of the robbers also leads into the public mockery from passersby and authorities, who see him as one of the condemned.

v.26And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

v.27This passage

v.28

Cross references

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

  • Luke 23:32

    And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

  • Matthew 27:38

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

  • John 19:18

    where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

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