Mark 15:30
What does Mark 15:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:30 means
The chief priests and scribes join in mocking Jesus, reasoning that if he could save others he should save himself. Their cynical logic denies Jesus’ mission and refuses the implications of his power. They invite a miraculous demonstration as proof, demanding spectacle over faith. This ridicule underscores the hard-heartedness of religious leadership and their inability to see Jesus’ redemptive suffering as saving others—their words invert the truth: he saves others precisely through surrendering himself, not by avoiding death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000save thyself, and come down from the cross.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901save thyself, and come down from the cross.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep yourself from death, and come down from the cross.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862save thyself, and come down from the cross!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Save thyself, coming down from the cross.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890save thyself, and descend from the cross.
Context
This continues the chorus of taunts from the public and authorities. The religious leaders’ sarcasm is especially damning because they had opposed Jesus throughout. Their mocking challenges him to prove messianic power, failing to understand that his saving work will be accomplished by dying, not by saving himself. This sets up the scene of darkness and his final cry.
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