Traditionally associated with John Mark, presenting Jesus with rapid movement, stark irony, suffering, abandonment, divine purpose, and the unveiling of Jesus as the Son of God through the cross.
The Crucified King: Condemnation, Mockery, Death, Confession, and Burial
Jesus is condemned though innocent, mocked as king yet truly enthroned through suffering, crucified in the place of sinners, forsaken under judgment, and revealed in death as the Son of God whose sacrifice tears open temple access and fulfills the saving purpose of God.
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Jesus is condemned though innocent, mocked as king yet truly enthroned through suffering, crucified in the place of sinners, forsaken under judgment, and revealed in death as the Son of God whose sacrifice tears open temple access and fulfills the saving purpose of God.
Mark 15 argues that the crucifixion is the paradoxical revelation of Jesus' kingship and sonship. Human courts condemn Him, crowds reject Him, soldiers mock Him, and leaders deride Him, but every insult is turned by divine irony into truth. Jesus is the king of the Jews. He saved others precisely by not saving Himself. He is the temple-replacing Son whose death tears the curtain.
He is the righteous sufferer whose cry of abandonment enters the depth of judgment. His death becomes the moment of Gentile confession: this crucified man is the Son of God.
Likely mixed early Christian readers who needed to understand that Jesus' shameful Roman crucifixion was not the defeat of the gospel but the enthronement-shaped suffering of the King, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the revelation of the Son of God.
Mark 15 occurs in Jerusalem on the day of Jesus' crucifixion. The chapter moves from the early morning council decision, to Pilate's interrogation, to the crowd's demand for Barabbas, to Roman mockery inside the Praetorium, to Golgotha, to Jesus' death, and finally to Joseph of Arimathea's burial of Jesus in a tomb.
Jesus is condemned though innocent, mocked as king yet truly enthroned through suffering, crucified in the place of sinners, forsaken under judgment, and revealed in death as the Son of God whose sacrifice tears open temple access and fulfills the saving purpose of God.
Traditionally associated with John Mark, presenting Jesus with rapid movement, stark irony, suffering, abandonment, divine purpose, and the unveiling of Jesus as the Son of God through the cross.
Likely mixed early Christian readers who needed to understand that Jesus' shameful Roman crucifixion was not the defeat of the gospel but the enthronement-shaped suffering of the King, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the revelation of the Son of God.
Mark 15 occurs in Jerusalem on the day of Jesus' crucifixion. The chapter moves from the early morning council decision, to Pilate's interrogation, to the crowd's demand for Barabbas, to Roman mockery inside the Praetorium, to Golgotha, to Jesus' death, and finally to Joseph of Arimathea's burial of Jesus in a tomb.
- The chief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate. Pilate discerns envy but chooses crowd-pleasing expediency. The crowd demands Barabbas and cries for crucifixion. Roman soldiers mock Jesus as king. Passersby, chief priests, teachers of the law, and even those crucified with Him heap insults on Him. Jesus is abandoned publicly, but women disciples watch from a distance, and Joseph courageously asks for His body.
Roman crucifixion was a public instrument of terror, humiliation, and execution for rebels, slaves, and criminals. The Praetorium served as the governor's residence or military headquarters. Purple robes, crowns, salutes, and homage gestures are used by soldiers to mock Jesus' kingship. Golgotha means 'place of the skull.' Wine mixed with myrrh may have served as a narcotic, but Jesus refuses it.
Casting lots for clothing echoes Psalm 22. The temple curtain tearing from top to bottom signals divine action. Burial before Sabbath was urgent because the day of Preparation preceded the Sabbath.
Mark 15 is the crucifixion climax of the Gospel. Jesus, the Son of Man who came to give His life as a ransom for many, is condemned, mocked as king, crucified between rebels, forsaken, and dies. The temple curtain is torn, and a Gentile centurion confesses Jesus as the Son of God. The chapter fulfills the passion predictions, the covenant blood of Mark 14, and the suffering-servant and righteous-sufferer patterns of Scripture.
Mark 15 moves from Jewish leadership condemnation to Roman sentencing, from Barabbas's release to Jesus' crucifixion, from mock kingship to true kingship revealed in suffering, from public derision to cosmic darkness and divine abandonment, from Jesus' death to the torn temple curtain and Gentile confession, and from apparent defeat to honorable burial awaiting resurrection.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Mark 15 proclaims the gospel by showing the innocent Jesus condemned in place of the guilty, mocked as king while truly reigning through the cross, crucified among sinners, forsaken under judgment, and dying in a way that tears open access to God. The centurion's confession shows that the crucified one is the Son of God. The gospel is the good news that Jesus did not save Himself because He came to save others through His death.
Jesus is handed over to Roman authority, accused by the priests, and remains largely silent.
Pilate releases Barabbas and condemns Jesus to crucifixion to satisfy the crowd.
Roman soldiers parody Jesus' kingship with purple, thorns, salutes, spitting, striking, and false homage.
Jesus is crucified as king of the Jews, with His garments divided and rebels on either side.
Passersby, religious leaders, and crucified criminals mock Jesus for not saving Himself.
Darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out forsaken, dies, the temple curtain tears, and a centurion confesses Him Son of God.
Women who followed and served Jesus remain watching at the crucifixion.
Joseph boldly secures Jesus' body and buries Him, while women witness the tomb location.
- 15:1-5: Jesus is handed over to Pilate and remains silent before the chief priests' accusations.
- 15:6-15: The crowd chooses a rebel murderer over Jesus, and Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.
- 15:16-20: Roman soldiers mock Jesus' kingship with parody coronation and violence.
- 15:21-27: Jesus is crucified at Golgotha under the charge 'The King of the Jews.'
- 15:29-32: Onlookers and leaders mock Jesus, unknowingly identifying the saving logic of the cross.
- 15:33-39: Darkness falls, Jesus cries out in forsakenness, dies, the curtain tears, and the centurion confesses Him Son of God.
- 15:40-41: Faithful women disciples watch from a distance after male disciples have fled.
- 15:42-47: Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, and women witnesses see where He is laid.
Theological Argument
Mark 15 argues that the crucifixion is the paradoxical revelation of Jesus' kingship and sonship. Human courts condemn Him, crowds reject Him, soldiers mock Him, and leaders deride Him, but every insult is turned by divine irony into truth. Jesus is the king of the Jews. He saved others precisely by not saving Himself. He is the temple-replacing Son whose death tears the curtain.
He is the righteous sufferer whose cry of abandonment enters the depth of judgment. His death becomes the moment of Gentile confession: this crucified man is the Son of God.
Jesus is handed over to Pilate, exchanged for Barabbas, mocked as king, crucified between rebels, insulted by all sides, dies in darkness and forsakenness, is vindicated by the torn curtain and centurion's confession, watched by faithful women, and buried by Joseph of Arimathea.
- 1.Jesus' condemnation is driven by religious envy and political cowardice.
- 2.Jesus is condemned in the place of a guilty man.
- 3.Jesus' silence displays righteous suffering, not helplessness.
- 4.The mockery of Jesus' kingship ironically proclaims truth.
- 5.Jesus' crucifixion fulfills Scripture's pattern of the righteous sufferer.
- 6.Jesus is identified as king even in the charge of execution.
- 7.Jesus is numbered with sinners and rebels.
- 8.Jesus saves others by refusing to save himself.
- 9.The darkness signals divine judgment and cosmic seriousness.
- 10.Jesus enters the agony of forsakenness in the place of sinners.
- 11.Jesus' death transforms temple access.
- 12.Jesus' identity is revealed at the cross.
- 13.Faithful witness continues even when most disciples have fled.
- 14.Jesus truly dies and is truly buried.
- 15.The burial prepares the narrative for resurrection witness.
Theological Focus
- Jesus before Pilate
- King of the Jews
- Silent suffering
- Chief priestly envy
- Crowd manipulation
- Barabbas released
- Substitutionary exchange
- Crowd-pleasing injustice
- Flogging
- Handed over to be crucified
- Mock coronation
- Purple robe
- Crown of thorns
- Mock homage
- Simon of Cyrene
- Golgotha
- Wine mixed with myrrh refused
- Crucifixion
- Divided garments
- Written charge
- Crucified with rebels
- Temple mockery
- He saved others
- Messiah and king of Israel mocked
- Darkness
- Forsakenness
- Psalm 22
- Loud cry
- Death of Jesus
- Torn temple curtain
- Centurion confession
- Son of God
- Women disciples
- Joseph of Arimathea
- Waiting for the kingdom
- Burial
- Witnesses to the tomb
- Innocent Condemnation
- Substitution
- Kingship Through Suffering
- The Righteous Sufferer
- Crucified with Sinners
- Saving by Not Saving Himself
- Divine Judgment
- Temple Access
- Gentile Confession
- Faithful Witness
- Courageous Discipleship
- True Death and Burial
- Atonement
- Christology
- Kingship of Christ
- Scripture Fulfillment
- Judgment
- Temple Theology
- Access to God
- Human Sin
- Witness
- Burial of Christ
Theological Themes
Jesus is condemned despite Pilate's awareness that the accusations are rooted in envy.
Barabbas is released while Jesus is condemned, displaying an enacted exchange of guilty for innocent.
Jesus is mocked as king, but Mark's irony reveals that He truly reigns through the cross.
Jesus' crucifixion echoes Psalm 22 through mockery, divided garments, and the cry of forsakenness.
Jesus is numbered with rebels, fulfilling the pattern of bearing shame among transgressors.
The leaders' mockery unknowingly states the logic of atonement: Jesus saves others by staying on the cross.
The darkness and cry of forsakenness reveal the judgment-weight of Jesus' death.
The tearing of the curtain signals divine action and transformed access through Jesus' death.
A Roman centurion confesses Jesus as Son of God at the cross.
Women who followed and served Jesus remain present as witnesses to death and burial.
Joseph of Arimathea boldly asks for Jesus' body and gives Him honorable burial.
Jesus' death is confirmed and His body is buried, grounding the resurrection that follows.
Covenant Significance
Mark 15 shows the covenant blood of Mark 14 poured out in death. Jesus is condemned as king, crucified with rebels, and forsaken under judgment. His death tears the temple curtain, signaling that access to God is no longer mediated through the old temple order but through the crucified Son. The righteous sufferer and servant patterns converge as Jesus gives His life for many. The confession of a Gentile centurion anticipates the gospel's movement to the nations.
- Covenant blood enacted - The blood Jesus interpreted at the Supper is now poured out in crucifixion.
- Passover fulfillment - Jesus dies in the Passover context as the saving sacrifice.
- Ransom for many - Mark 10:45 and Mark 14:24 are fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion.
- Numbered with transgressors - Jesus is crucified between rebels, bearing shame among sinners.
- Temple curtain torn - Jesus' death transforms access to God and signals judgment on the temple system.
- Son of God revealed - The cross becomes the place where a Gentile centurion confesses Jesus' sonship.
- Kingdom waiting continues - Joseph of Arimathea, waiting for the kingdom of God, honors Jesus in burial.
- Psalm 22:1 - Jesus' cry of forsakenness quotes the opening of Psalm 22.
- Psalm 22:7-8 - Mockers shake their heads and deride the righteous sufferer.
- Psalm 22:18 - The casting of lots for garments echoes the psalm.
- Isaiah 50:6 - The servant gives His back to those who strike and does not hide from spitting.
- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The suffering servant is despised, bears sin, is numbered with transgressors, and justifies many.
- Amos 8:9 - Darkness at noon evokes prophetic judgment imagery.
- Exodus 26:31-33 - The temple curtain separated holy space · its tearing signifies transformed access.
- Leviticus 16:2 - Access behind the curtain was restricted, highlighting the significance of the curtain tearing.
- Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man who claimed future vindication in Mark 14 now dies in shame before vindication.
- Zechariah 12:10 - The pierced one and mourning background resonates with crucifixion and recognition.
Canonical Connections
Jesus stands in the line of the righteous sufferer who is falsely accused and unjustly condemned.
Barabbas's release and Jesus' condemnation embody the guilty freed through the innocent condemned.
Jesus' mocked kingship reveals the paradox of the suffering Messiah.
Mark's crucifixion account echoes Psalm 22 through mockery, garments, and Jesus' cry.
Jesus is crucified with rebels, fulfilling the servant's identification with sinners.
The darkness and forsakenness show Jesus bearing judgment in fulfillment of the cup He accepted.
The torn curtain signals the end of restricted access and the opening of approach through Christ.
Mark begins with Jesus as Son of God and reaches a confessional climax at the cross.
The centurion's confession anticipates Gentile reception of the crucified Son.
Jesus' burial confirms His real death and prepares for resurrection proclamation.
Cross References
Mark 15 proclaims the gospel by showing the innocent Jesus condemned in place of the guilty, mocked as king while truly reigning through the cross, crucified among sinners, forsaken under judgment, and dying in a way that tears open access to God. The centurion's confession shows that the crucified one is the Son of God. The gospel is the good news that Jesus did not save Himself because He came to save others through His death.
- The gospel is substitutionary - Barabbas is released while Jesus is condemned.
- The gospel centers on the crucified King - Jesus is mocked as king, charged as king, and revealed as king through the cross.
- The gospel fulfills Scripture - The divided garments, mockery, and forsakenness cry echo Psalm 22 and righteous-sufferer Scripture.
- The gospel saves by costly self-giving - Jesus saves others by refusing to come down and save Himself.
- The gospel bears judgment - Darkness and forsakenness reveal the judgment-weight of the cross.
- The gospel opens access to God - The temple curtain is torn from top to bottom when Jesus dies.
- The gospel reveals the Son of God - The centurion confesses Jesus' sonship at the moment of crucifixion.
- The gospel reaches outsiders - A Gentile soldier becomes the first human voice in Mark to confess Jesus as Son of God at the cross.
- The gospel rests on real death and burial - Jesus' death is confirmed and His body is laid in a tomb witnessed by women.
- Do not preach Jesus as a victim of circumstances · He is the Scripture-fulfilling Son who gives His life.
- Do not make Barabbas only a moral example · the substitutionary exchange is central.
- Do not treat the soldiers' mockery as mere cruelty · Mark's irony reveals true kingship through false homage.
- Do not say Jesus could not save Himself because He lacked power · He would not save Himself because He came to save many.
- Do not soften the cry of forsakenness into mere metaphor · preserve the real horror of judgment-bearing abandonment.
- Do not detach the torn curtain from temple fulfillment and access to God.
- Do not bypass the centurion's confession · it is a major Markan Christological climax.
- Do not rush past the burial · the resurrection proclamation rests on the reality of Jesus' death and tomb.
Primary Emphasis
Mark 15 reveals Jesus as the silent righteous sufferer, the true King of the Jews, the innocent substitute, the mocked but enthroned Messiah, the crucified Son of God, the forsaken one who bears judgment, the temple-access opener, and the Son whose identity is confessed by a Gentile centurion at the moment of death.
Chapter Contribution
Mark 15 argues that the crucifixion is the paradoxical revelation of Jesus' kingship and sonship. Human courts condemn Him, crowds reject Him, soldiers mock Him, and leaders deride Him, but every insult is turned by divine irony into truth. Jesus is the king of the Jews. He saved others precisely by not saving Himself. He is the temple-replacing Son whose death tears the curtain.
He is the righteous sufferer whose cry of abandonment enters the depth of judgment. His death becomes the moment of Gentile confession: this crucified man is the Son of God.
The torn veil signifies direct access through Christ.
The centurion confesses Jesus as Son of God.
Redemption advances despite injustice.
His silence fulfills Isaiah’s servant imagery.
Events unfold according to prophetic revelation.
Jesus was buried in a known and witnessed tomb.
Crowds and leaders reject the Messiah.
Joseph’s hope reflects anticipation of God’s kingdom.
Jesus is the true King despite earthly rejection.
The King suffers before glory.
Jesus reigns through suffering.
Jesus truly died physically.
Christ submits to unjust authority to accomplish salvation.
Humiliation precedes exaltation.
Christ bears divine judgment in place of sinners.
The innocent is condemned in place of the guilty.
Jesus' death accomplishes the saving work He interpreted as covenant blood poured out for many.
Barabbas's release and Jesus' condemnation dramatize the innocent in place of the guilty.
Jesus is King of the Jews, Messiah, Son of God, and righteous sufferer revealed through the cross.
Jesus' kingship is mocked by humans but revealed by divine irony in the crucifixion.
The centurion confesses Jesus as Son of God when He sees how Jesus dies.
The crucifixion echoes Psalm 22, Isaiah's servant, and righteous-sufferer patterns.
Darkness and forsakenness reveal Jesus bearing the judgment-weight of sin.
The tearing of the curtain signals transformed access through Jesus' death and judgment on the old temple order.
The torn curtain points to opened access through the crucified Christ.
Envy, cowardice, manipulation, mob violence, mockery, and unbelief surround the cross.
The women and Joseph provide faithful witness to Jesus' death and burial.
Jesus' real death is confirmed and His body is laid in a tomb, preparing for resurrection testimony.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Mark 15 proclaims the gospel by showing the innocent Jesus condemned in place of the guilty, mocked as king while truly reigning through the cross, crucified among sinners, forsaken under judgment, and dying in a way that tears open access to God. The centurion's confession shows that the crucified one is the Son of God. The gospel is the good news that Jesus did not save Himself because He came to save others through His death.
Sense early morning
Definition Early morning time.
References Mark 15:1
Lexicon early morning
Why it matters The formal handover to Pilate occurs very early, moving Jesus toward crucifixion.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense chief priests
Definition Leading priestly authorities.
References Mark 15:1, 15:3, 15:10-11, 15:31
Lexicon chief priests
Why it matters They lead the effort to hand Jesus over and stir up the crowd.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense elders
Definition Community leaders or members of the ruling council.
References Mark 15:1
Lexicon elders
Why it matters The whole leadership structure participates in the decision against Jesus.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense scribes, teachers of the law
Definition Experts in Scripture and law.
References Mark 15:1, 15:31
Lexicon scribes, teachers of the law
Why it matters They participate in condemnation and later mock Jesus at the cross.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense council, Sanhedrin
Definition Jewish ruling council.
References Mark 15:1
Lexicon council, Sanhedrin
Why it matters The council resolves to deliver Jesus to Pilate.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense bind
Definition To bind or tie up.
References Mark 15:1
Lexicon bind
Why it matters Jesus is bound like a criminal though innocent.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense hand over, deliver up
Definition To deliver someone into another's control.
References Mark 15:1, 15:10, 15:15
Lexicon hand over, deliver up
Why it matters The repeated handed-over motif reaches Roman execution.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Pontius Pilate
Definition Roman governor who authorizes Jesus' crucifixion.
References Mark 15:1-15, 15:43-45
Lexicon Pontius Pilate
Why it matters Pilate represents Roman authority and crowd-pleasing injustice.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense king of the Jews
Definition Royal title used in accusation, mockery, and inscription.
References Mark 15:2, 15:9, 15:12, 15:18, 15:26
Lexicon king of the Jews
Why it matters Jesus' kingship is central to the Roman trial and crucifixion irony.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense accuse
Definition To bring charges or accusations.
References Mark 15:3-4
Lexicon accuse
Why it matters The chief priests accuse Jesus, but He remains silent.
Sense answer, reply
Definition To answer or respond.
References Mark 15:2, 15:4-5
Lexicon answer, reply
Why it matters Jesus gives only a minimal answer to Pilate and no further answer to accusations.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense marvel, be amazed
Definition To be astonished or amazed.
References Mark 15:5
Lexicon marvel, be amazed
Why it matters Pilate is amazed at Jesus' silence.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Barabbas
Definition Prisoner involved in rebellion and murder.
References Mark 15:7, 15:11, 15:15
Lexicon Barabbas
Why it matters His release while Jesus is condemned dramatizes substitution.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense rebels, insurrectionists
Definition Those involved in rebellion or uprising.
References Mark 15:7
Lexicon rebels, insurrectionists
Why it matters Barabbas and those crucified with Jesus are associated with rebellion, highlighting Jesus' innocence.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense murder
Definition Killing, murder.
References Mark 15:7
Lexicon murder
Why it matters Barabbas is guilty of violent crime while Jesus is innocent.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense envy
Definition Jealous resentment.
References Mark 15:10
Lexicon envy
Why it matters Pilate knows the leaders hand Jesus over because of envy.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense stir up, incite
Definition To incite or stir up a crowd.
References Mark 15:11
Lexicon stir up, incite
Why it matters The chief priests manipulate the crowd to choose Barabbas.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense crucify
Definition To execute by crucifixion.
References Mark 15:13-15, 15:20, 15:24-25, 15:27
Lexicon crucify
Why it matters The crowd demands the death by which Jesus will accomplish salvation.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense satisfy, content
Definition To satisfy or do what is sufficient for someone.
References Mark 15:15
Lexicon satisfy, content
Why it matters Pilate condemns Jesus to satisfy the crowd.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense flog, scourge
Definition To whip or scourge severely.
References Mark 15:15
Lexicon flog, scourge
Why it matters Jesus suffers Roman scourging before crucifixion.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Praetorium, governor's headquarters
Definition Roman governor's residence or military headquarters.
References Mark 15:16
Lexicon Praetorium, governor's headquarters
Why it matters The Roman soldiers mock Jesus there before crucifixion.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense cohort, company
Definition A Roman military unit or company.
References Mark 15:16
Lexicon cohort, company
Why it matters A large group participates in the mockery of Jesus.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense purple garment
Definition Purple cloth associated with royalty or status.
References Mark 15:17, 15:20
Lexicon purple garment
Why it matters The soldiers use purple to mock Jesus' kingship.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense thorny crown
Definition A wreath or crown made of thorns.
References Mark 15:17
Lexicon thorny crown
Why it matters The crown mocks royal honor and displays curse-bearing humiliation.
Form in passage Present · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense hail, greetings
Definition A greeting or salute.
References Mark 15:18
Lexicon hail, greetings
Why it matters The soldiers parody royal greeting to Jesus.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense reed, staff
Definition A reed or staff used to strike Jesus.
References Mark 15:19
Lexicon reed, staff
Why it matters The mock king is struck with a staff in cruel parody.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense spit on
Definition To spit on in contempt.
References Mark 15:19
Lexicon spit on
Why it matters Jesus endures shameful contempt.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense bow, pay homage, worship
Definition To bow down or show reverence.
References Mark 15:19
Lexicon bow, pay homage, worship
Why it matters The soldiers mockingly kneel, yet Jesus truly deserves worship.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Simon from Cyrene
Definition A man from Cyrene compelled to carry Jesus' cross.
References Mark 15:21
Lexicon Simon from Cyrene
Why it matters Simon bears the cross behind Jesus, an enacted image of costly proximity to the crucified one.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense cross
Definition Instrument of Roman crucifixion.
References Mark 15:21, 15:30, 15:32
Lexicon cross
Why it matters The cross is the instrument of Jesus' shameful death and saving work.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense Golgotha
Definition Place of the Skull.
References Mark 15:22
Lexicon Golgotha
Why it matters The location of Jesus' crucifixion.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense mixed with myrrh
Definition Wine mixed with myrrh.
References Mark 15:23
Lexicon mixed with myrrh
Why it matters Jesus refuses the offered drink before crucifixion.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense garments, clothes
Definition Outer garments or clothing.
References Mark 15:24
Lexicon garments, clothes
Why it matters The soldiers divide Jesus' garments by casting lots, echoing Psalm 22.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense casting lots
Definition Casting lots to determine allocation.
References Mark 15:24
Lexicon casting lots
Why it matters The action echoes Psalm 22:18.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense third hour
Definition Approximately nine in the morning in Jewish reckoning.
References Mark 15:25
Lexicon third hour
Why it matters Mark marks the time of crucifixion.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense inscription of the charge
Definition Written notice stating the accusation.
References Mark 15:26
Lexicon inscription of the charge
Why it matters The charge identifies Jesus as king of the Jews.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense robbers, rebels, bandits
Definition Violent criminals or rebels.
References Mark 15:27
Lexicon robbers, rebels, bandits
Why it matters Jesus is crucified between rebels, numbered with transgressors.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense blaspheme, insult, revile
Definition To speak abusively or slanderously.
References Mark 15:29
Lexicon blaspheme, insult, revile
Why it matters Passersby revile Jesus while He is crucified.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense shaking heads
Definition Gesture of scorn or derision.
References Mark 15:29
Lexicon shaking heads
Why it matters The mockery echoes Psalm 22's righteous-sufferer imagery.
Sense save, rescue
Definition To save, rescue, or deliver.
References Mark 15:30-31
Lexicon save, rescue
Why it matters Mockers misunderstand that Jesus saves others by not saving Himself.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Messiah, Christ
Definition Anointed One, promised king.
References Mark 15:32
Lexicon Messiah, Christ
Why it matters The leaders mock Jesus as Messiah while unknowingly facing the true crucified Christ.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense king of Israel
Definition Royal title applied mockingly to Jesus.
References Mark 15:32
Lexicon king of Israel
Why it matters The title is mocked, but Jesus' kingship is true.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 1st Person · Plural What is this?
Sense believe, trust
Definition To believe or trust.
References Mark 15:32
Lexicon believe, trust
Why it matters The leaders demand sight on their terms as a condition for belief.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense sixth hour
Definition Approximately noon in Jewish reckoning.
References Mark 15:33
Lexicon sixth hour
Why it matters Darkness begins at noon.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense darkness
Definition Darkness or absence of light.
References Mark 15:33
Lexicon darkness
Why it matters Darkness signals divine judgment and cosmic gravity at Jesus' death.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense whole land / earth
Definition The whole land or earth, depending context.
References Mark 15:33
Lexicon whole land / earth
Why it matters The darkness is extensive and theologically weighty.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense ninth hour
Definition Approximately three in the afternoon.
References Mark 15:34
Lexicon ninth hour
Why it matters Jesus cries out at the end of the darkness.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense forsake, abandon
Definition To abandon, leave behind, or forsake.
References Mark 15:34
Lexicon forsake, abandon
Why it matters Jesus enters the depth of abandonment under judgment.
Sense Elijah
Definition Prophet Elijah.
References Mark 15:35-36
Lexicon Elijah
Why it matters Bystanders misunderstand Jesus' cry as a call for Elijah.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense sour wine, wine vinegar
Definition Cheap sour wine.
References Mark 15:36
Lexicon sour wine, wine vinegar
Why it matters The offered drink appears during the final moments before Jesus' death.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense loud cry
Definition A great or loud voice/cry.
References Mark 15:37, 15:39
Lexicon loud cry
Why it matters Jesus dies with a loud cry, drawing the centurion's attention to how He dies.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense expire, breathe out, die
Definition To breathe one's last.
References Mark 15:37, 15:39
Lexicon expire, breathe out, die
Why it matters Mark records Jesus' real death.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense curtain, veil
Definition Temple curtain or veil separating sacred space.
References Mark 15:38
Lexicon curtain, veil
Why it matters The curtain tears at Jesus' death, signaling divine action and transformed access.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense tear, split
Definition To split or tear apart.
References Mark 15:38
Lexicon tear, split
Why it matters The curtain is torn from top to bottom by divine action.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense centurion
Definition Roman military officer over roughly one hundred soldiers.
References Mark 15:39, 15:44-45
Lexicon centurion
Why it matters A Gentile officer confesses Jesus as Son of God at the cross.
Sense Son of God
Definition Divine sonship title for Jesus.
References Mark 15:39
Lexicon Son of God
Why it matters The centurion's confession is a climactic recognition of Jesus' identity.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense women
Definition Women disciples who followed and served Jesus.
References Mark 15:40-41, 15:47
Lexicon women
Why it matters They witness Jesus' death and burial location.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense follow
Definition To follow as a disciple or companion.
References Mark 15:41
Lexicon follow
Why it matters The women had followed Jesus from Galilee.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense serve, minister
Definition To serve, provide, or minister.
References Mark 15:41
Lexicon serve, minister
Why it matters The women served Jesus faithfully in Galilee and now witness His death.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense Preparation Day
Definition Day of preparation before the Sabbath.
References Mark 15:42
Lexicon Preparation Day
Why it matters The approaching Sabbath creates urgency for Jesus' burial.
Sense Sabbath
Definition The Jewish day of rest.
References Mark 15:42
Lexicon Sabbath
Why it matters Jesus is buried before the Sabbath begins.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Joseph from Arimathea
Definition Prominent council member who buries Jesus.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon Joseph from Arimathea
Why it matters Joseph boldly honors Jesus in burial.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense respected council member
Definition A reputable member of the council.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon respected council member
Why it matters Joseph's status makes His bold request significant.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense waiting for the kingdom of God
Definition Expecting and awaiting God's saving reign.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon waiting for the kingdom of God
Why it matters Joseph's kingdom hope is joined to courageous action toward Jesus' body.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense dare, act boldly
Definition To dare or act courageously.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon dare, act boldly
Why it matters Joseph courageously asks Pilate for Jesus' body.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense body
Definition Physical body.
References Mark 15:43, 15:45
Lexicon body
Why it matters Jesus' real body is taken down and buried.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense linen cloth
Definition Linen cloth used for burial wrapping.
References Mark 15:46
Lexicon linen cloth
Why it matters Joseph wraps Jesus' body for burial.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense tomb
Definition Burial place or memorial tomb.
References Mark 15:46-47
Lexicon tomb
Why it matters Jesus is laid in a real tomb, witnessed by the women.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense rock
Definition Rock or stone formation.
References Mark 15:46
Lexicon rock
Why it matters The tomb is cut out of rock.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense stone
Definition Stone used to seal the tomb entrance.
References Mark 15:46
Lexicon stone
Why it matters The stone marks the sealed tomb that will be found opened in Mark 16.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense place, lay
Definition To put, place, or lay.
References Mark 15:47
Lexicon place, lay
Why it matters The women observe where Jesus' body is laid.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense hand over, deliver up
Definition To hand someone over into another's control.
References Mark 15:1, 15:10, 15:15
Lexicon hand over, deliver up
Why it matters Jesus is handed over from Jewish leaders to Pilate and from Pilate to crucifixion.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense envy
Definition Jealous resentment.
References Mark 15:10
Lexicon envy
Why it matters Pilate recognizes envy as the motive behind the leaders' handover.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense crucify
Definition To execute by crucifixion.
References Mark 15:13-15, 15:20, 15:24-25
Lexicon crucify
Why it matters The crowd demands and Rome carries out the death by which Jesus saves.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense flog, scourge
Definition To scourge severely.
References Mark 15:15
Lexicon flog, scourge
Why it matters Jesus suffers Roman scourging before crucifixion.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense purple garment
Definition Purple cloth associated with royalty.
References Mark 15:17, 15:20
Lexicon purple garment
Why it matters The soldiers use royal imagery to mock Jesus, unknowingly pointing to His true kingship.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense crown, wreath
Definition A crown or wreath.
References Mark 15:17
Lexicon crown, wreath
Why it matters Jesus is mock-crowned with thorns, revealing kingship through curse-bearing humiliation.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense cross
Definition Instrument of Roman execution.
References Mark 15:21, 15:30, 15:32
Lexicon cross
Why it matters The cross is where Jesus' kingship and saving work are revealed.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense Place of the Skull
Definition The place where Jesus is crucified.
References Mark 15:22
Lexicon Place of the Skull
Why it matters Golgotha is the location of Jesus' death.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense save, rescue
Definition To save or rescue.
References Mark 15:30-31
Lexicon save, rescue
Why it matters The mockers' words reveal the cross's paradox: Jesus saves others by not saving Himself.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense forsake, abandon
Definition To leave, abandon, or forsake.
References Mark 15:34
Lexicon forsake, abandon
Why it matters Jesus bears the agony of forsakenness in His cry from Psalm 22.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense expire, breathe one's last
Definition To die by breathing out one's last breath.
References Mark 15:37, 15:39
Lexicon expire, breathe one's last
Why it matters Mark records the real death of Jesus.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense tear, split
Definition To split or tear apart.
References Mark 15:38
Lexicon tear, split
Why it matters The curtain is torn from top to bottom, showing God has acted.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense follow
Definition To follow as a disciple.
References Mark 15:41
Lexicon follow
Why it matters The women had followed Jesus from Galilee and remain witnesses.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense serve, minister
Definition To serve or minister.
References Mark 15:41
Lexicon serve, minister
Why it matters The women served Jesus and witness His death and burial.
Sense kingdom of God
Definition God's saving reign and realm.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon kingdom of God
Why it matters Joseph waits for the kingdom and boldly honors Jesus' body.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense dare, act boldly
Definition To dare or act courageously.
References Mark 15:43
Lexicon dare, act boldly
Why it matters Joseph boldly asks Pilate for Jesus' body.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense tomb
Definition Burial place.
References Mark 15:46-47
Lexicon tomb
Why it matters Jesus is laid in a real tomb witnessed by the women.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (61)
| v.1 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.2 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.3 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.4 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.5 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὥστεso asresult clauseὥστε states what happens as a consequence. ἵνα states what is intended. |
| v.6 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.7 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.8 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.καθὼςeven ascomparative / scriptural groundingWhen Paul writes καθώς γέγραπται ('just as it is written'), he is providing scriptural warrant for everything preceding it. |
| v.9 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.10 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.11 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.12 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.13 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.14 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρindeedgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.15 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.16 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.17 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.18 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.19 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.20 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.21 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.22 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.23 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.24 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.25 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.26 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.27 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.28 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.29 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.31 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.32 | ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.33 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.34 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.35 | καίAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.36 | δέthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰifconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.37 | δὲButcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.38 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.39 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.40 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.42 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.44 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰifconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.εἰwhetherconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.45 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.46 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.47 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (145 main verbs)
| v.1 | ποιήσαντεςpoiéōheldaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδήσαντεςdéōboundaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπήνεγκανled ~ awayaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπαρέδωκανparadídōmihanded ~ overaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.2 | ἐπηρώτησενeperōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγειςlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.3 | κατηγόρουνkatēgoréōaccusedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.4 | ἐπηρώταeperōtáōaskedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀποκρίνῃanswerpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthκατηγοροῦσινkatēgoréōcharges ~ bringagainstpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.5 | ἀπεκρίθηansweraorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionθαυμάζεινthaumázōamazedpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.6 | ἀπέλυενreleaseimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionπαρῃτοῦντοparaitéomairequestedimperfect middle indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.7 | πεποιήκεισανpoiéōcommittedpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past action |
| v.8 | ἀναβὰςcame upaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἤρξατοbeganaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionαἰτεῖσθαιaskpresent middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἐποίειpoiéōdoimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.9 | ἀπεκρίθηansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionΘέλετεthélōwantpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀπολύσωreleaseaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.10 | ἐγίνωσκενginṓskōrealizedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionπαραδεδώκεισανparadídōmihanded ~ overpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past action |
| v.11 | ἀνέσεισανstirred upaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπολύσῃreleaseaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.12 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλεγενlégōsaidimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionθέλετεthélōwantpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποιήσωpoiéōdoaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλέγετεlégōcallpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.13 | ἔκραξανkrázōshoutedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΣταύρωσονstauróōcrucifyaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.14 | ἔλεγενlégōsaidimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐποίησενpoiéōdoneaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔκραξανkrázōshoutedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΣταύρωσονstauróōcrucifyaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.15 | βουλόμενοςboúlomaiwishingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionποιῆσαιpoiéō*aorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀπέλυσενreleasedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπαρέδωκενparadídōmihanded ~ overaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφραγελλώσαςphragellóōscourgedaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσταυρωθῇstauróōcrucifiedaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.16 | ἀπήγαγονled ~ awayaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσυγκαλοῦσινsynkaléōcalled togetherpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.17 | ἐνδιδύσκουσινendidýskōput ~ onpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπεριτιθέασινperitíthēmiput ~ onpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπλέξαντεςplékōtwisted togetheraorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.18 | ἤρξαντοbeganaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀσπάζεσθαιsalutepresent middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbΧαῖρεchaírōhailpresent active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.19 | ἔτυπτονtýptōstruckimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐνέπτυονemptýōspitting onimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionτιθέντεςtíthēmigetting down onpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπροσεκύνουνproskynéōhomageimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.20 | ἐνέπαιξανempaízōmockedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξέδυσανekdýōstrippedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐνέδυσανendýōput ~ onaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξάγουσινexágōled ~ outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthσταυρώσωσινstauróōcrucifyaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.21 | ἀγγαρεύουσινforcedpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπαράγοντάparágōpassing bypresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐρχόμενονérchomaicomingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἄρῃcarryaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.22 | φέρουσινphérōbroughtpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.23 | ἐδίδουνdídōmiofferedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἐσμυρνισμένονsmyrnízōmixed with myrrhperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλαβενlambánōtakeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.24 | σταυροῦσινstauróōcrucifiedpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδιαμερίζονταιdiamerízōdividedpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthβάλλοντεςcastingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἄρῃtakeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.25 | ἐσταύρωσανstauróōcrucifiedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.27 | σταυροῦσινstauróōcrucifiedpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.29 | παραπορευόμενοιparaporeúomaipassed bypresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐβλασφήμουνderidedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionκινοῦντεςkinéōshakingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκαταλύωνkatalýōdestroypresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionοἰκοδομῶνoikodoméōrebuildpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.30 | σῶσονsṓzōsaveaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationκαταβὰςkatabaínōcome downaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.31 | ἐμπαίζοντεςempaízōmockingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλεγονlégōsayingimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἔσωσενsṓzōsavedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδύναταιdýnamaiablepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthσῶσαιsṓzōsaveaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.32 | καταβάτωkatabaínōcome downaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἴδωμενhoráōseeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentπιστεύσωμενpisteúōbelieveaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentσυνεσταυρωμένοιsystauróōcrucifiedperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionὠνείδιζονoneidízōtauntedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.33 | γενομένηςgínomaiwasaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐγένετοgínomaicameaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.34 | ἐβόησενcried outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσαβαχθάνιsabachthánisabachthaniaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐγκατέλιπέςenkataleípōforsakenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.35 | παρεστηκότωνparístēmibystandersperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀκούσαντεςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλεγονlégōsaidimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionφωνεῖphōnéōcallingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.36 | δραμὼνtréchōranaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionγεμίσαςgemízōfilledaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπεριθεὶςperitíthēmiput ~ onaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπότιζενpotízōgave ~ todrinkimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionλέγωνlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἌφετεleaveaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἴδωμενhoráōseeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἔρχεταιérchomaicomepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthκαθελεῖνkathairéōtake ~ downaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.37 | ἀφεὶςutteredaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐξέπνευσενekpnéōbreathed his lastaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.38 | ἐσχίσθηschízōtornaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.39 | ἰδὼνhoráōsawaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπαρεστηκὼςparístēmistoodperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐξέπνευσενekpnéōbreathed his lastaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.40 | Ἦσανēnwereimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionθεωροῦσαιtheōréōlooking onpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.41 | ἠκολούθουνfollowedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionδιηκόνουνdiakonéōministeredimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionσυναναβᾶσαιsynanabaínōcame up withaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.42 | γενομένηςgínomaicomeaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.43 | ἐλθὼνérchomaicameaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionτολμήσαςtolmáōboldlyaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἰσῆλθενeisérchomaiwentaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionᾐτήσατοasked foraorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.44 | ἐθαύμασενthaumázōsurprisedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionτέθνηκενthnḗskōdeadperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultπροσκαλεσάμενοςproskaléomaisummoningaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπηρώτησενeperōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπέθανενdeadaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.45 | γνοὺςginṓskōlearnedaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐδωρήσατοdōréomaigrantedaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.46 | ἀγοράσαςboughtaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκαθελὼνkathairéōtook ~ downaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐνείλησενeneiléōwrappedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔθηκενtíthēmilaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπροσεκύλισενproskylíōrolledaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.47 | ἐθεώρουνtheōréōsawimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionτέθειταιtíthēmilaidperfect passive indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
The reader must see that the cross is not a contradiction of Jesus' kingship and sonship but their deepest revelation. Jesus is the crucified King, the suffering Son, the innocent substitute, and the temple-access opener.
God's people must be delivered from crowd-pleasing, shame over the cross, superficial definitions of power, and failure to recognize God's saving wisdom in apparent weakness.
Cross-centered faith, courage before public pressure, gratitude for substitution, reverent access to God, worship of the crucified King, faithful witness in dark moments, and hope while waiting for resurrection.
- Confess where You have chosen crowd approval over truth.
- See Yourself in Barabbas: guilty, yet released because Jesus was condemned.
- Worship Jesus as king precisely at the cross.
- Stop demanding that Jesus prove Himself by avoiding suffering.
- Approach God through the torn curtain with reverent confidence.
- Stand with the crucified Christ when public opinion mocks Him.
- Practice faithful presence like the women at the cross.
- Honor Jesus boldly like Joseph, even when the cost is visible.
- Wait for the kingdom when all seems buried.
- Mark 15 warns against religious envy, political cowardice, crowd-pleasing injustice, demanding the death of the innocent, mocking the kingship of Christ, measuring salvation by visible escape from suffering, interpreting weakness as divine failure, misunderstanding Scripture-fulfilled suffering, and standing near the cross without seeing the Son of God.
- Jesus' silence before Pilate means defeat or inability. - Jesus' silence fulfills the pattern of righteous suffering and shows sovereign restraint, not helplessness.
- Pilate is innocent because He hesitates. - Pilate knows the leaders act from envy but still condemns Jesus to satisfy the crowd.
- Barabbas is an incidental detail. - Barabbas's release beside Jesus' condemnation powerfully displays substitutionary exchange: the guilty goes free while the innocent is condemned.
- The soldiers' mockery disproves Jesus' kingship. - Mark uses irony: their mock royal treatment unwittingly testifies to the truth that Jesus is king.
- Jesus cannot save Himself because He lacks power. - Jesus does not save Himself because He is saving others through His death.
- The cry of forsakenness means Jesus abandoned faith. - Jesus addresses God as 'My God' and prays Psalm 22 from within real abandonment. The cry expresses the depth of judgment-bearing suffering, not unbelief.
- The darkness is only atmospheric detail. - The darkness functions theologically as judgment imagery surrounding the death of Jesus.
- The torn curtain is merely dramatic symbolism. - The curtain tearing from top to bottom signals divine action, temple judgment, and transformed access through Jesus' death.
- The centurion's confession is insignificant because He is a Gentile soldier. - His confession is climactic in Mark's narrative, placing the Son of God confession at the cross.
- The women are minor background figures. - They are crucial witnesses to Jesus' death, burial location, and the resurrection announcement in Mark 16.
- Jesus' burial is a footnote. - The burial confirms Jesus' real death, honors His body, and establishes the tomb location for resurrection witness.
- Where do I know the truth but choose comfort, reputation, or crowd approval instead?
- Do I see myself more like Barabbas than like a neutral observer?
- Can I worship Jesus as king when His kingship appears weak, mocked, and crucified?
- Do I demand that Jesus prove Himself by coming down from suffering, or do I trust the saving wisdom of the cross?
- Have I understood that Jesus saved others by not saving Himself?
- Do I tremble before the darkness and forsakenness Jesus entered for sinners?
- Do I approach God through the torn curtain, or do I still live as though access depends on my own religious performance?
- Would I recognize the Son of God at the cross, or only in displays of obvious triumph?
- Am I willing to remain a faithful witness when following Jesus becomes dangerous or disappointing?
- Would I boldly honor Jesus when He appears publicly defeated?
- Can I wait for the kingdom when all I can see is a sealed tomb?
- Preaching - Preach Mark 15 as the revelation of the King through crucifixion. Let the irony stand: every mockery tells the truth in a twisted form.
- Gospel Proclamation - Use Barabbas carefully and powerfully as an enacted picture of substitution: the guilty man goes free because the innocent Jesus is condemned.
- Lord's Supper - Connect Mark 15 to Mark 14. The blood of the covenant spoken at the table is now poured out at the cross.
- Counseling - For sufferers who feel abandoned, Jesus' cry of forsakenness shows that Christ entered the depths of abandonment and can shepherd believers through suffering without minimizing its pain.
- Church Worship - The torn curtain should teach the church to approach God with reverent confidence through Christ's finished work.
- Leadership - Pilate is a warning against leaders who recognize injustice but choose political survival.
- Discipleship - The women and Joseph demonstrate quiet faithfulness, courage, and witness when public circumstances appear hopeless.
- Apologetics - Mark emphasizes Jesus' real death and burial. The centurion confirms death · Joseph buries the body · women witness the tomb.
- Christology - The Son of God confession comes at the cross, teaching that Jesus' divine sonship is revealed not apart from suffering but through it.
- Mission - The Gentile centurion's confession anticipates the gospel reaching the nations through the crucified Son.
The leaders hand Jesus to Pilate, moving from internal condemnation to imperial death sentence.
Pilate discerns envy yet still acts unjustly to satisfy the crowd.
The guilty man is freed while the innocent one is crucified.
The soldiers' parody royal treatment ironically reveals Jesus as king.
The crucifixion's shame fulfills righteous-sufferer Scripture.
The mockery exposes the paradox that Jesus saves precisely by not saving Himself.
Creation-level darkness frames Jesus' cry and death.
Jesus' death opens access and draws confession from an outsider.
The women who watch the cross and tomb become essential witnesses to resurrection announcement.
A council member boldly honors the condemned Jesus.
The burial appears final, but Mark has already prepared the reader for resurrection.
Trace servant identity, obedient mission, and suffering service across Scripture.
Study kingdom reign, divine rule, and gospel kingdom proclamation across Scripture.
Track judgment as covenant accountability, divine justice, and eschatological reckoning.
Follow resurrection hope, vindication, and life-over-death patterns across the canon.
Study temple presence, worship, corruption, judgment, and renewal across Scripture.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Mark 15 moves from Jewish leadership condemnation to Roman sentencing, from Barabbas's release to Jesus' crucifixion, from mock kingship to true kingship revealed in suffering, from public derision to cosmic darkness and divine abandonment, from Jesus' death to the torn temple curtain and Gentile confession, and from apparent defeat to honorable burial awaiting resurrection.
Mark 15 shows the covenant blood of Mark 14 poured out in death. Jesus is condemned as king, crucified with rebels, and forsaken under judgment. His death tears the temple curtain, signaling that access to God is no longer mediated through the old temple order but through the crucified Son. The righteous sufferer and servant patterns converge as Jesus gives His life for many. The confession of a Gentile centurion anticipates the gospel's movement to the nations.
Mark 15 proclaims the gospel by showing the innocent Jesus condemned in place of the guilty, mocked as king while truly reigning through the cross, crucified among sinners, forsaken under judgment, and dying in a way that tears open access to God. The centurion's confession shows that the crucified one is the Son of God. The gospel is the good news that Jesus did not save Himself because He came to save others through His death.
Cross-centered faith, courage before public pressure, gratitude for substitution, reverent access to God, worship of the crucified King, faithful witness in dark moments, and hope while waiting for resurrection.
Focus Points
- Jesus before Pilate
- King of the Jews
- Silent suffering
- Chief priestly envy
- Crowd manipulation
- Barabbas released
- Substitutionary exchange
- Crowd-pleasing injustice
- Flogging
- Handed over to be crucified
- Mock coronation
- Purple robe
- Crown of thorns
- Mock homage
- Simon of Cyrene
- Golgotha
- Wine mixed with myrrh refused
- Crucifixion
- Divided garments
- Written charge
- Crucified with rebels
- Temple mockery
- He saved others
- Messiah and king of Israel mocked
- Darkness
- Forsakenness
- Psalm 22
- Loud cry
- Death of Jesus
- Torn temple curtain
- Centurion confession
- Son of God
- Women disciples
- Joseph of Arimathea
- Waiting for the kingdom
- Burial
- Witnesses to the tomb
- Innocent Condemnation
- Substitution
- Kingship Through Suffering
- The Righteous Sufferer
- Crucified with Sinners
- Saving by Not Saving Himself
- Divine Judgment
- Temple Access
- Gentile Confession
- Faithful Witness
- Courageous Discipleship
- True Death and Burial
- Atonement
- Christology
- Kingship of Christ
- Scripture Fulfillment
- Judgment
- Temple Theology
- Access to God
- Human Sin
- Witness
- Burial of Christ
Cross References
Passages
Chapter opening: Mark 15:1-5
In the morning (πρω). The ratification meeting after day. See on Mt 26:1-5 for details. Held a consultation (συμβουλιον ποιησαντες). So text of Westcott and Hort (Vulgate consilium facientes ), though they give ετοιμασαντες in the margin. The late and rare word συμβουλιον is like the Latin consilium . If ετοιμασαντες is the correct text, the idea would be rather to prepare a concerted plan of action (Gould).
But their action was illegal on the night before and they felt the need of this ratification after dawn which is described in Lu 22:66-71 , who does not give the illegal night trial. Bound Jesus (δησαντες τον Ιησουν). He was bound on his arrest ( Joh 18:12 ) when brought before Annas who sent him on bound to Caiaphas ( Joh 18:24 ) and now he is bound again as he is sent to Pilate ( Mr 15:1 ; Mt 27:2 ).
It is implied that he was unbound while before Annas and then before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
Art thou the King of the Jews? (Συ ε ο βασιλευς των Ιουδαιων;). This is the only one of the charges made by the Sanhedrin to Pilate ( Lu 23:2 ) that he notices. He does not believe this one to be true, but he has to pay attention to it or be liable to charges himself of passing over a man accused of rivalry and revolution against Caesar. Joh 18:28-32 gives the interview with Jesus that convinces Pilate that he is a harmless religious fanatic.
See on Mt 26:11 . Thou sayest (συ λεγεις). An affirmation, though in Joh 18:34-37 there is a second and fuller interview between Pilate and Jesus. "Here, as in the trial before the Sanhedrin, this is the one question that Jesus answers. It is the only question on which his own testimony is important and necessary" (Gould). The Jews were out on the pavement or sidewalk outside the palace while Pilate came out to them from above on the balcony ( Joh 18:28 f.
) and had his interviews with Jesus on the inside, calling Jesus thither ( Joh 18:33 ).
Accused him of many things (κατηγορουν αυτου πολλα). Imperfect tense, repeated accusations besides those already made. They let loose their venom against Jesus. One of the common verbs for speaking against in court (κατα and αγορευω). It is used with the genitive of the person and the accusative of the thing.
Marvelled (θαυμαζειν). Pilate was sure of the innocence of Jesus and saw through their envy ( Mr 15:10 ), but he was hoping that Jesus would answer these charges to relieve him of the burden. He marvelled also at the self-control of Jesus.
Used to release (απελυεν). Imperfect tense of customary action where Mt 27:15 has the verb ειωθε (was accustomed to). They asked of him (παρηιτουντο). Imperfect middle, expressing their habit also.
Bound with them that had made insurrection (μετα των στασιαστων δεδεμενος). A desperate criminal, leader in the insurrection, sedition (εν τη στασε), or revolution against Rome, the very thing that the Jews up at Bethsaida Julias had wanted Jesus to lead ( Joh 6:15 ). Barabbas was the leader of these rioters and was bound with them. Had committed murder (φονον πεποιηκεισαν).
Past perfect indicative without augment. Murder usually goes with such rioters and the priests and people actually chose a murderer in preference to Jesus.
As he was wont to do unto them (καθως εποιε αυτοις). Imperfect of customary action again and dative case.
The King of the Jews (τον βασιλεα των Ιουδαιων). That phrase from this charge sharpened the contrast between Jesus and Barabbas which is bluntly put in Mt 27:17 "Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ." See discussion there.
He perceived (εγινωσκεν). Imperfect tense descriptive of Pilate's growing apprehension from their conduct which increased his intuitive impression at the start. It was gradually dawning on him. Both Mark and Matthew give "envy" (φθονον) as the primary motive of the Sanhedrin. Pilate probably had heard of the popularity of Jesus by reason of the triumphal entry and the temple teaching.
Had delivered (παραδεδωκεισαν). Past perfect indicative without augment where Mt 27:18 has the first aorist (kappa aorist) indicative παρεδωκαν, not preserving the distinction made by Mark. The aorist is never used "as" a past perfect.
Stirred up (ανεσεισαν). Shook up like an earthquake (σεισμος). Mt 27:20 has a weaker word, "persuaded" (επεισαν). Effective aorist indicative. The priests and scribes had amazing success. If one wonders why the crowd was fickle, he may recall that this was not yet the same people who followed him in triumphal entry and in the temple. That was the plan of Judas to get the thing over before those Galilean sympathizers waked up.
"It was a case of regulars against an irregular, of priests against prophet" (Gould). "But Barabbas, as described by Mark, represented a popular passion, which was stronger than any sympathy they might have for so unworldly a character as Jesus--the passion for political liberty " (Bruce). "What unprincipled characters they were! They accuse Jesus to Pilate of political ambition, and they recommend Barabbas to the people for the same reason" (Bruce).
The Sanhedrin would say to the people that Jesus had already abdicated his kingly claims while to Pilate they went on accusing him of treason to Caesar. Rather ( mllon ). Rather than Jesus. It was a gambler's choice.
Whom ye call the King of the Jews (ον λεγετε τον βασιλεα των Ιουδαιων). Pilate rubs it in on the Jews (cf. verse 9 ). The "then" (ουν) means since you have chosen Barabbas instead of Jesus.
Crucify him (Σταυρωσον αυτον). Lu 23:21 repeats the verb. Mt 27:22 has it, "Let him be crucified." There was a chorus and a hubbub of confused voices all demanding crucifixion for Christ. Some of the voices beyond a doubt had joined in the hallelujahs to the Son of David in the triumphal entry. See on Mt 27:23 for discussion of Mr 15:14 .
To content the multitude (τω οχλω το ικανον ποιησα). A Latin idiom ( satisfacere alicui ), to do what is sufficient to remove one's ground of complaint. This same phrase occurs in Polybius, Appian, Diogenes Laertes, and in late papyri. Pilate was afraid of this crowd now completely under the control of the Sanhedrin. He knew what they would tell Caesar about him. See on Mt 27:26 for discussion of the scourging.
The Praetorium (πραιτωριον). In Mt 27:27 this same word is translated "palace." That is its meaning here also, the palace in which the Roman provincial governor resided. In Php 1:13 it means the Praetorian Guard in Rome. Mark mentions here "the court" (της αυλης) inside of the palace into which the people passed from the street through the vestibule. See further on Matthew about the "band."
Purple (πορφυραν). Mt 27:28 has "scarlet robe" which see for discussion as well as for the crown of thorns.
Worshipped him (προσεκυνουν). In mockery. Imperfect tense as are ετυπτον (smote) and ενεπτυον (did spit upon). Repeated indignities.
They lead him out (εξαγουσιν αυτον). Vivid historical present after imperfects in verse 19 .
They compel (αγγαρευουσιν). Dramatic present indicative again where Mt 27:32 has the aorist. For this Persian word see on Mt 5:41 ; 27:32 . Coming out of the country (ερχομενον απ' αγρου). Hence Simon met the procession. Mark adds that he was "the father of Alexander and Rufus." Paul mentions a Rufus in Ro 16:13 , but it was a common name and proves nothing.
See on Mt 27:32 for discussion of cross-bearing by criminals. Luke adds "after Jesus" (οπισθεν του Ιησου). But Jesus bore his own cross till he was relieved of it, and he walked in front of his own cross for the rest of the way.
They bring him (φερουσιν αυτον). Historical present again. See on Mt 27:33 f. for discussion of Golgotha.
They offered him (εδιδουν αυτω). Imperfect tense where Matthew has the aorist εδωκαν. Mingled with myrrh (εσμυρνισμενον). Perfect passive participle. The verb means flavoured with myrrh, myrrhed wine. It is not inconsistent with Mt 27:34 "mingled with gall," which see. But he received it not (ος δε ουκ ελαβεν). Note the demonstrative ος with δε. Matthew has it that Jesus was not willing to take. Mark's statement is that he refused it.
What each should take (τις τ αρη). Only in Mark. Note double interrogative, Who What? The verb αρη is first aorist active deliberative subjunctive retained in the indirect question. The details in Mr 15:24-32 are followed closely by Mt 27:35-44 . See there for discussion of details.
The third hour (ωρα τριτη). This is Jewish time and would be nine A.M. The trial before Pilate was the sixth hour Roman time ( Joh 19:14 ), six A.M.
The superscription (η επιγραφη). The writing upon the top of the cross (our word epigraph). Lu 23:38 has this same word, but Mt 27:37 has "accusation" (αιτιαν). See Matthew for discussion. Joh 19:19 has "title" (τιτλον).
Now come down (καταβατω νυν). Now that he is nailed to the cross. That we may see and believe (ινα ιδωμεν κα πιστευσωμεν). Aorist subjunctive of purpose with ινα. They use almost the very language of Jesus in their ridicule, words that they had heard him use in his appeals to men to see and believe. Reproached him (ωνειδιζον αυτον). Imperfect tense. They did it several times. Mark and Matthew both fail to give the story of the robber who turned to Christ on the Cross as told in Lu 23:39-43 .
The sixth hour (ωρας εκτης). That is, noon (Jewish time), as the third hour was nine A. M. ( Mr 15:25 ). See on Mt 27:45 for discussion. Given also by Lu 23:44 . Mark gives the Aramaic transliteration as does B in Mt 27:45 , which see for discussion. Forsaken (εγκατελιπες). Some MSS. give ωνειδισας (reproached). We are not able to enter into the fulness of the desolation felt by Jesus at this moment as the Father regarded him as sin ( 2Co 5:21 ).
This desolation was the deepest suffering. He did not cease to be the Son of God. That would be impossible.
He calleth Elijah (Ελειαν φωνε). They misunderstood the Ελω or Ελε (my God) for Elijah.
To take him down (καθελειν αυτον). Mt 27:49 has "to save him" (σωσων), which see for discussion.
Gave up the ghost (εξεπνευσεν). Literally, breathed out. See "yielded up his spirit" in Mt 27:50 for discussion for details. Mark uses this word εξεπνευσεν again in verse 39 .
The centurion (ο κεντυριων). A Latin word ( centurio ) used also in verse 44 and here only in the N.T. Which stood by over against him (ο παρεστηκως εξ εναντιας αυτου). This description alone in Mark, picturing the centurion "watching Jesus" ( Mt 27:54 ). So (ουτως). With the darkness and the earthquake. See on Mt 27:54 for discussion of "the Son of God," more probably "a Son of God."
And Salome (κα Σαλωμη). Apparently the "mother of the sons of Zebedee" ( Mt 27:56 ). Only in Mark.
Followed him and ministered unto him (ηκολουθουν κα διηκονουν αυτω). Two imperfects describing the long Galilean ministry of these three women and many other women in Galilee ( Lu 8:1-3 ) who came up with him (α συναναβασα αυτω) to Jerusalem. This summary description in Mark is paralleled in Mt 27:55 f. and Lu 23:49 . These faithful women were last at the Cross as they stood afar and saw the dreadful end to all their hopes.
The preparation (παρασκευη). Mark explains the term as meaning "the day before the sabbath" (προσαββατον), that is our Friday, which began at sunset. See discussion on Mt 27:57 . The Jews had already taken steps to get the bodies removed ( Joh 19:31 ).
A councillor of honourable estate (ευσχημων βουλευτης). A senator or member of the Sanhedrin of high standing, rich ( Mt 27:57 ). Looking for the Kingdom of God (ην προσδεχομενος την βασιλειαν του θεου). Periphrastic imperfect. Also Lu 23:51 . The very verb used by Luke of Simeon and Anna ( Lu 2:25 , 38 ). Mt 27:57 calls him "Jesus' disciple" while Joh 19:38 adds "secretly for fear of the Jews."
He had evidently taken no public stand for Jesus before now. Boldly (τολμησας). Aorist (ingressive) active participle, becoming bold. It is the glory of Joseph and Nicodemus, secret disciples of Jesus, that they took a bold stand when the rest were in terror and dismay. That is love psychology, paradoxical as it may seem.
If he were already dead (ε ηδη τεθνηκεν). Perfect active indicative with ε after a verb of wondering, a classical idiom, a kind of indirect question just as we say "I wonder if." Usually death by crucifixion was lingering. This item is only in Mark. Whether he had been any while dead (ε παλα απεθανεν). B D read ηδη (already) again here instead of παλα (a long time).
Mark does not tell the request of the Jews to Pilate that the legs of the three might be broken ( Joh 19:31-37 ). Pilate wanted to make sure that Jesus was actually dead by official report.
Granted the corpse (εδωρησατο το πτωμα). This official information was necessary before the burial. As a matter of fact Pilate was probably glad to turn the body over to Joseph else the body would go to the potter's field. This is the only instance when πτωμα ( cadaver , corpse) is applied to the body (σωμα) of Jesus, the term used in Mt 27:59 ; Lu 23:53 ; Joh 19:40 ).
Wound (ενειλησεν). This word is only here in the N. T. As εντυλισσω is only in Mt 27:59 ; Lu 23:53 ; Joh 20:7 . Both verbs occur in the papyri, Plutarch, etc. They both mean to wrap, wind, roll in. The body of Jesus was wound in the linen cloth bought by Joseph and the hundred pounds of spices brought by Nicodemus ( Joh 19:39 ) for burying were placed in the folds of the linen and the linen was bound around the body by strips of cloth ( Joh 19:40 ).
The time was short before the sabbath began and these two reverently laid the body of the Master in Joseph's new tomb, hewn out of a rock. The perfect passive participle (λελατομημενον) is from λατομος, a stonecutter (λως, stone, τεμνω, to cut). For further details see on Mt 27:57-60 . Lu 23:53 and Joh 19:41 also tell of the new tomb of Joseph. Some modern scholars think that this very tomb has been identified in Gordon's Calvary north of the city.
Against the door (επ την θυραν). Matthew has the dative τη θυρα without επ and adds the adjective "great" (μεγαν).
Beheld (εθεωρουν). Imperfect tense picturing the two Marys "sitting over against the sepulchre" ( Mt 27:61 ) and watching in silence as the shadows fell upon all their hopes and dreams. Apparently these two remained after the other women who had been beholding from afar the melancholy end ( Mr 15:40 ) had left and "were watching the actions of Joseph and Nicodemus" (Swete).
Probably also they saw the body of Jesus carried and hence they knew where it was laid and saw that it remained there (τεθειτα, perfect passive indicative, state of completion). "It is evident that they constituted themselves a party of observation" (Gould).