Devine Scripture

Mark 15:36

What does Mark 15:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:36 means

One man runs and soaks a sponge with vinegar, placing it on a reed to offer Jesus a drink, while others mockingly say, “Let us see whether Elijah will come.” The action mixes a small practical kindness with scornful curiosity. The vinegar could serve as cheap refreshment; the attempt to test the prophecy is cynical. The incident shows the crowd’s callousness and ignorance, and Jesus remains fully sovereign, receiving or refusing as his mission requires. The moment underlines human cruelty and misunderstanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And one ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to take him down.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And one ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to take him down.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And one of them went quickly and, getting a sponge full of bitter wine, put it on a rod, and gave it to him for drink, saying, Let be; let us see if Elijah will come to take him down.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and one having run, and having filled a spunge with vinegar, having put <FI>it<Fi> also on a reed, was giving him to drink, saying, `Let alone, let us see if Elijah doth come to take him down.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And one running and filling a sponge with vinegar and putting it upon a reed, gave him to drink, saying: Stay, let us see if Elias come to take him down.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And one, running and filling a sponge with vinegar, fixed it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone, let us see if Elias comes to take him down.

Context

This occurs right after some thought Jesus was calling for Elijah. The man’s action is both practical and antagonistic—meant to taunt, not to help. It shows the mix of mockery and curiosity among onlookers. The scene leads directly to Jesus’ loud final cry and death, closing the period of his earthly suffering.

v.35And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elijah.

v.36This passage

v.37And Jesus uttered a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 15:23

    And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

  • Luke 23:36

    And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar,

  • Psalms 69:21

    They gave me also gall for my food; And in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

  • John 19:28

    After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that the scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst.

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