John 19:29

KJV

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put [it] upon hyssop, and put [it] to his mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G3767} there was set {G2749} a vessel {G4632} full {G3324} of vinegar {G3690}: and {G1161} they filled {G4130} a spunge {G4699} with vinegar {G3690}, and {G2532} put it upon {G4060} hyssop {G5301}, and put {G4374} it to his {G846} mouth {G4750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A jar full of cheap sour wine was there; so they soaked a sponge in the wine, coated it with oregano leaves and held it up to his mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth.

American Standard Version

There was set there a vessel full of vinegar: so they put a sponge full of the vinegar upon hyssop, and brought it to his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:29 captures a pivotal moment during the crucifixion, immediately following Jesus' declaration, "I thirst." This verse meticulously details the provision of sour wine on a hyssop branch, highlighting the profound suffering of Christ while simultaneously underscoring the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the divine orchestration of every detail leading to the culmination of His redemptive work. It serves as a poignant reminder of His complete humanity and His unwavering commitment to the Father's will even in His final, agonizing moments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically within the crucifixion narrative in John's Gospel. It follows directly after Jesus' declaration, "[I thirst](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Cry of Thirst")," which John explicitly states was uttered "that the scripture might be fulfilled." The immediate preceding verses (John 19:23-27) describe the soldiers dividing Jesus' garments and Jesus entrusting His mother to John's care, emphasizing both the brutality of the scene and Jesus' continued concern for others. Following [John 19:29](/john/19-29 "John 19:29 - Jesus is given sour wine on the cross"), Jesus declares, "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Declaration")," bows His head, and gives up His spirit, signifying the completion of His redemptive work. Thus, the offering of sour wine is the penultimate act before His death, a final prophetic fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a torturous Roman method of execution designed to inflict maximum pain, humiliation, and a slow, agonizing death. Extreme thirst was a common and excruciating symptom due to dehydration, blood loss, and exposure. The "vinegar" (Greek: _oxos_) mentioned here was not a pure, undiluted vinegar but a common, inexpensive sour wine, often mixed with water, which was a staple drink for Roman soldiers and laborers. Unlike the drugged wine mixed with gall offered earlier (as noted in [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Drugged Wine Offered to Jesus")), which Jesus refused because it would dull His senses and interfere with His conscious suffering for sin, this sour wine appears to have been offered as a practical, albeit meager, relief for intense thirst, possibly with some degree of compassion. The "hyssop" is a small, bushy plant with stiff stems, historically used in Israelite ritual purification and sprinkling ceremonies, most notably for applying the blood of the Passover lamb to doorposts (see [Exodus 12:22](/exodus/12-22 "Exodus 12:22 - Hyssop in the Passover Ritual")). Its appearance here, at the moment of the ultimate Passover Lamb's sacrifice, carries profound symbolic weight, connecting Jesus' death to the cleansing and redemptive power of His blood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' thirst and the subsequent offering of vinegar directly align with Old Testament predictions, particularly [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Christ's Suffering"). Secondly, it highlights the **Humanity of Christ**, demonstrating that Jesus fully experienced the physical agony of crucifixion, including the intense pain of thirst, affirming His true human nature alongside His divinity. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Divine Purpose and Control**, revealing that even in His deepest suffering, Jesus was not a helpless victim but was actively orchestrating the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. His request for water and the subsequent action were part of a divinely orchestrated sequence leading to His declaration, "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Declaration")," signifying the completion of His mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vinegar (Greek, _óxos'_):** This term refers to a common, inexpensive sour wine, often diluted with water, consumed by soldiers and laborers. In the context of the crucifixion, it signifies not only a common beverage but also the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah's suffering, where He would be given "vinegar to drink" ([Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Christ's Suffering")). Its sourness contrasts sharply with the "living water" Jesus offers (see [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")).
* **Hyssop (Greek, _hýssōpos'_):** A small, bushy plant with stiff stems, hyssop held significant ritualistic importance in ancient Israel. It was used for sprinkling blood in purification ceremonies, most notably during the Passover (see [Exodus 12:22](/exodus/12-22 "Exodus 12:22 - Hyssop in the Passover Ritual")) and for cleansing from defilement (e.g., [Leviticus 14:4-7](/leviticus/14-4-7 "Leviticus 14:4-7 - Hyssop in Cleansing Rituals")). Its presence here, at the sacrifice of the ultimate Passover Lamb, profoundly links Jesus' atoning death to the Old Testament sacrificial system and the theme of purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:"** This clause sets the scene, indicating the immediate availability of the sour wine. The presence of such a vessel was typical at Roman crucifixion sites, as soldiers often had their common drink nearby. It also highlights the readiness for the fulfillment of the prophetic word.
* **"and they filled a spunge with vinegar,"** This describes the practical action taken in response to Jesus' cry of "I thirst." A common sponge was used to soak up the liquid, a pragmatic way to administer it to someone in a crucified position.
* **"and put [it] upon hyssop,"** This detail is highly significant. Instead of a spear or a longer stick, the sponge was placed on a hyssop branch. This specific choice of plant, despite its seemingly small and brittle nature, carries deep symbolic weight, connecting this moment to ancient Israelite rituals of cleansing and the Passover.
* **"and put [it] to his mouth."** This final action directly addresses Jesus' thirst, bringing the sour wine to His lips. It marks the final physical act of suffering and prophetic fulfillment before Jesus' ultimate declaration of completion.

#### Literary Devices
John's account in this verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the mention of "hyssop." This humble plant, deeply embedded in Old Testament rituals of purification and the Passover, symbolizes the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice and His identity as the true Passover Lamb. The "vinegar" itself, a bitter and common drink, stands in stark **irony** as the final drink offered to the One who is the source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), highlighting the depths of His self-emptying and suffering. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of this scene, especially when read in conjunction with [John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Cry of Thirst"), emphasizes **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, portraying Jesus' actions and experiences not as random events but as divinely orchestrated steps in God's redemptive plan, echoing prophecies like [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Christ's Suffering").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:29 is a verse rich in theological significance, connecting the physical suffering of Jesus to profound spiritual truths and the overarching narrative of redemption. It underscores the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that every detail of Jesus' passion was part of God's sovereign plan. The offering of sour wine, while a moment of intense human suffering for Jesus, simultaneously serves as a powerful symbol of His complete identification with humanity in its weakness and His willingness to endure all things to accomplish salvation. The hyssop, in particular, bridges the Old Covenant sacrificial system with the New Covenant reality, signifying that Jesus' blood is the ultimate means of purification and atonement, far surpassing the temporary cleansing rituals of the past.

* [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Prophecy of Christ's Suffering")
* [Exodus 12:22](/exodus/12-22 "Hyssop in the Passover Ritual")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Hyssop for Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:29 invites us to gaze upon the cross with deeper understanding and profound gratitude. It reminds us that Jesus' suffering was not a mere historical event but a divinely purposed act, meticulously detailed and prophetically foretold. His cry of "I thirst" reveals His full humanity, His real pain, and His solidarity with our frailties. Yet, even in this moment of vulnerability, He was actively fulfilling Scripture, demonstrating His unwavering obedience to the Father and His commitment to completing the work of salvation. This verse challenges us to consider the immense cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign control, recognizing that even in the darkest moments, His purposes are being perfectly accomplished. Just as Jesus endured the sour wine for our sake, we are called to embrace His sacrifice as the source of our spiritual life, finding in Him the true living water that satisfies our deepest thirst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' cry of "I thirst" and the subsequent offering of sour wine deepen your understanding of His humanity and suffering?**
* **What significance does the use of "hyssop" hold for you, connecting Jesus' death to Old Testament purification rituals?**
* **How does the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in God's sovereign plan?**
* **In what ways can you respond to the profound love and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus in this moment?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus given vinegar (sour wine) instead of water?**

Answer: The "vinegar" (Greek: _oxos_) was a common, inexpensive sour wine, often diluted with water, regularly consumed by Roman soldiers and laborers. It was likely the most readily available liquid at the crucifixion site. While it would offer some relief from intense thirst, it was not a refreshing drink. The offering of this sour wine also directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Christ's Suffering"), which foretold that the Messiah would be given "vinegar to drink" in His thirst. This contrasts with the drugged wine Jesus refused earlier ([Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Drugged Wine Offered to Jesus")), which was meant to dull pain, as He chose to fully experience the suffering for humanity's sins.

**What is the significance of the hyssop branch?**

Answer: The hyssop branch carries profound symbolic meaning, connecting Jesus' crucifixion to key Old Testament rituals. Hyssop was used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to the doorposts in Egypt ([Exodus 12:22](/exodus/12-22 "Exodus 12:22 - Hyssop in the Passover Ritual")), signifying protection from judgment. It was also used in various purification ceremonies for cleansing from defilement and sin ([Leviticus 14:4-7](/leviticus/14-4-7 "Leviticus 14:4-7 - Hyssop in Cleansing Rituals"); [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Hyssop for Cleansing")). By placing the sponge with sour wine on a hyssop branch and lifting it to Jesus' mouth, John subtly but powerfully links Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb, to the themes of atonement, cleansing, and redemption through His shed blood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:29, though seemingly a minor detail in the crucifixion narrative, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the depth of Jesus' redemptive work. His cry of "I thirst" underscores His complete humanity, demonstrating that the Son of God fully entered into human suffering, experiencing the agonizing physical realities of crucifixion. This thirst, satisfied by sour wine, stands in stark contrast to the "living water" that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him, as He declared to the Samaritan woman, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). The very act of Him thirsting and receiving this bitter drink fulfills prophecy ([Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Christ's Suffering")), showcasing His perfect obedience and His deliberate movement towards the completion of God's plan. Furthermore, the use of the hyssop branch is a powerful typological link, identifying Jesus as the true Passover Lamb whose blood provides ultimate purification and atonement, far surpassing the temporary cleansing offered by Old Covenant rituals ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"); [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")). Thus, in this moment of His deepest suffering, Jesus, the obedient Son ([Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")), was fulfilling His mission to become the source of eternal life and spiritual cleansing for all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 19:18

And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip [it] in the water, and sprinkle [it] upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:

Luke 23:36

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

Mark 15:36

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

Exodus 12:22

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip [it] in the blood that [is] in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that [is] in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

Matthew 27:48

And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled [it] with vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink.

Psalms 51:7

¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Matthew 27:34

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.