Matthew 27:39 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads

NIV: Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads

NASB: And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him, shaking their heads,

CSB: Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads

NLT: The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery.

KJV: And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

NKJV: And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads

Crucifixion victims were intentionally subjected to public ridicule. Human beings are naturally drawn to abuse those perceived as weaker, especially if they can accuse the other person of wrong. That habit enabled other public displays of criminals, such as the stocks: locking a person's head and hands into a wooden frame, forcing them to endure laughter and abuse from those who passed by.

Executed persons were usually placed where they could be easily seen (John 19:20). Here, the accusation posted on Jesus' cross (Matthew 27:37) likely brings even more jeering. This naturally occurring torment was part of the humiliation of crucifixion. It is one of many reasons this was considered such a shameful way to die.

Matthew's account echoes fragments from the Psalms which describe the suffering and death of the Messiah:

"All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads" (Psalm 22:7).
"I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads" (Psalm 109:25).

In this case, to "wag the head" seems to indicate a rude gesture, or a sneering movement of the face. That came along with insults, teasing, and other abuse. Their comments in the following verses show disgust at another supposed Messiah who was not even powerful enough to avoid getting killed, let alone leading the nation in overthrowing Rome.

Opinion about Jesus in Jerusalem was sharply divided (Luke 12:51; John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19). It's true that many people praised Jesus, fewer than seven days prior, during what is now called the triumphal entry (Matthew 21:8–11). And yet, many screamed at Pilate to crucify Jesus until the governor gave in and did as they said (Matthew 27:21–26). It's possible that some loved Jesus while they thought He was going to overthrow Rome, then hated Him when it became clear this was not going to happen. Other might have despised anyone who risked bringing Rome's fury down on them all.

In any case, Jesus was accomplishing in that moment exactly what He had come to do (Philippians 2:8; Matthew 16:21). His willingness to do so (Matthew 26:39) would make it possible for the sins of those who mocked Him to be forgiven (Romans 5:8–11).

Matthew 27:32–44 describes Jesus' march to the cross, aided by a man named Simon of Cyrene. Jesus is offered a numbing, bitter wine, but refuses it, and is nailed to the cross. Soldiers gamble for His clothes. A somewhat sarcastic sign above Him reads "the King of the Jews." Observers, including several Jewish religious leaders, mock Jesus for not being able to save Himself. Even the criminals being executed on either side of Jesus insult Him. Mark 15:20–32, Luke 23:36–43, and John 19:16–27 cover this same process.

When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

Matthew 27 begins with an official meeting of the Jewish ruling council. They affirm Jesus' condemnation from the previous night, described in chapter 26. Judas confesses his betrayal and hangs himself. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the mob shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is humiliated by Roman soldiers and marched to be executed. On the cross, He is mocked by Jewish religious leaders and others. He dies and is buried in a never-used tomb. Extensive efforts to secure His body from being stolen only serve to prove the miraculous nature of His resurrection, which is detailed in chapter 28.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.