Mark 15:32
What does Mark 15:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:32 means
As the leaders challenge Jesus to demonstrate his messianic authority, the two crucified with him also insult him. The plural mockery adds to Jesus’ isolation at that moment. Their reproach underscores the totality of rejection—from society’s leaders to marginalized criminals. It accentuates the loneliness of the cross, stressing that vindication will not come through displays of power now. The verse thus highlights both human unbelief and the fulfillment of Jesus’ purpose through apparent defeat.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and have belief. And those who were put on crosses with him said evil things against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The Christ! the king of Israel--let him come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe;' and those crucified with him were reproaching him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let Christ the king of Israel come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him, reviled him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let the Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and may believe. And they that were crucified with him reproached him.
Context
This follows the leaders’ taunts and shows that even those executed alongside Jesus join in the contempt. The verse deepens the dramatic irony: even those for whom Jesus’ death would be redemptive do not yet perceive it. This sets up the cosmic signs and Jesus’ anguished cry that follow in the next verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 23:39
And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.
- Zephaniah 3:15
Jehovah hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even Jehovah, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more.
- 2 Timothy 2:18
men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.
- Matthew 27:44
And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.
- Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.
- Matthew 1:17
So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations.
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