Devine Scripture

Mark 15:31

What does Mark 15:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:31 means

The chief priests deride the idea that the Messiah would not be able to save himself, and they invite the expected Christ or King of Israel to come down if he be such. The mockery reveals their misunderstanding of messianic mission: they expect a triumphant, political deliverer. Their demand is arrogant and unbelieving. Meanwhile, those crucified with him also revile him, aligning the condemned with the leaders. The verse highlights the breadth of opposition—from religious elites to fellow criminals.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

In like manner also the chief priests mocking him among themselves with the scribes said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

In like manner also the chief priests mocking him among themselves with the scribes said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the same way the chief priests, laughing at him among themselves with the scribes, said, A saviour of others, he has no salvation for himself.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And in like manner also the chief priests, mocking with one another, with the scribes, said, `Others he saved; himself he is not able to save.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In like manner also the chief priests, mocking, said with the scribes one to another: He saved others; himself he cannot save.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

In like manner the chief priests also, with the scribes, mocking with one another, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Context

This verse continues the leaders’ mockery and shows both their theological blindness and their boldness in taunting Jesus publicly. Their taunts echo popular expectations of a conquering Messiah. This derision contrasts with Jesus’ actual path and leads into the supernatural sign of darkness and Jesus’ cry, revealing the cosmic significance of what is happening.

v.30save thyself, and come down from the cross.

v.31This passage

v.32Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reproached him.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 22:16

    For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

  • Luke 23:35

    And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.

  • Matthew 27:41

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

  • John 12:23

    And Jesus answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

  • John 11:47

    The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.

  • Psalms 2:1

    Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?

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