Luke 23:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the soldiers {G4757} also {G2532} mocked {G1702} him {G846}, coming {G4334} to him, and {G2532} offering {G4374} him {G846} vinegar {G3690},

Complete Jewish Bible

The soldiers too ridiculed him; they came up, offered him vinegar

Berean Standard Bible

The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:36 vividly portrays the relentless mockery and profound humiliation endured by Jesus during His crucifixion. As He hung on the cross, Roman soldiers approached Him, not with compassion, but with scorn, offering Him sour wine (vinegar) as a cruel jest, further emphasizing His abject suffering and the depths of human depravity directed against the Son of God. This scene underscores the voluntary nature of Christ's suffering and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission amidst intense scorn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 23:36 is situated within the immediate narrative of Jesus' crucifixion at Golgotha, following His placement between two criminals. The preceding verse, [Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - The Rulers Scoff at Jesus"), describes the general crowd and the Jewish rulers scoffing at Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself. This verse specifically shifts the focus to the actions of the Roman soldiers, detailing their distinct form of mockery. It is part of a broader sequence of humiliation that Jesus experiences from various groups—the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod, the crowd, and now the soldiers—culminating in His death. The verses immediately following (Luke 23:37-39) continue the theme of mockery, including the challenge from one of the criminals, setting the stage for the remarkable repentance of the other criminal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was not merely a method of execution but a public spectacle designed for maximum suffering, shame, and deterrence. It was reserved for slaves, rebels, and the lowest classes, ensuring a slow, agonizing death. Roman soldiers, accustomed to brutal discipline and the execution of criminals, would have viewed Jesus as just another condemned man, perhaps even a deluded rebel claiming kingship. The "vinegar" (Latin: *posca*, Greek: *oxos*) was a common, cheap, sour wine, often diluted with water, consumed by Roman soldiers and laborers as a refreshing beverage. Offering it to a crucified man could be an act of mercy, but in this context, it is clearly presented as an act of derision, playing on His thirst and helplessness. This act aligns with other instances of Roman soldiers mocking Jesus as a supposed "King of the Jews," such as dressing Him in a purple robe and crowning Him with thorns, as recounted in [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew's Account of Jesus Being Mocked by Soldiers") and [Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16-20 "Mark's Account of the Soldiers Mocking Jesus").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **intense humiliation and suffering of the Messiah**, demonstrating the profound level of scorn and degradation Jesus experienced, even from those carrying out His execution. Secondly, the offering of vinegar serves as a powerful instance of the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, particularly the suffering servant passages, as seen in [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar for the Thirsty"). Thirdly, the soldiers' actions starkly reveal the **depths of human depravity and hostility towards God**, as even those responsible for the crucifixion actively participated in Jesus' psychological torture. Finally, Jesus' passive endurance in the face of such abuse underscores His **voluntary submission to God's redemptive plan** and His role as the atoning sacrifice, a theme central to the passion narratives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mocked (Greek, _empaízō'_):** From *en* (in) and *paizō* (to play); to jeer at, i.e., deride. This term conveys a sense of contemptuous jesting, playing with, ridiculing, or treating with scorn. It implies a deliberate and malicious act of humiliation, not mere indifference. The soldiers were actively engaged in a cruel game, making sport of Jesus' suffering and His claims to kingship.
* **soldiers (Greek, _stratiṓtēs'_):** From a presumed derivative of *stratia* (an army); a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively). These were Roman legionaries, the instruments of imperial power and order. Their involvement in the mockery signifies the official, state-sanctioned nature of Jesus' public humiliation, adding a layer of authoritative contempt to His suffering.
* **vinegar (Greek, _óxos'_):** From *oxys* (sharp); vinegar, i.e., sour wine. This refers to *posca*, a common, cheap, sour wine or diluted vinegar, often consumed by Roman soldiers and laborers for refreshment. While sometimes offered as an anesthetic (mixed with gall, as in [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Offered Gall and Wine")), here it is presented in mockery, emphasizing Jesus' extreme thirst and helplessness rather than offering relief, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the soldiers also mocked him":** This clause highlights the active participation of the Roman soldiers, adding another dimension to the layers of scorn Jesus received. Unlike the rulers who scoffed from a distance, the soldiers, as agents of the state, directly engaged in the humiliation, underscoring the official and public nature of Jesus' degradation. Their mockery was a deliberate act of derision, treating Him as an object of scorn.
* **"coming to him":** This phrase emphasizes the physical proximity and personal nature of their insult. They did not merely observe or shout from afar; they approached Jesus directly, making their contempt a close-up, intimate affront. This direct engagement intensifies the sense of personal violation and deliberate cruelty.
* **"and offering him vinegar":** This action, seemingly benign, is presented as an act of mockery. The "vinegar" (sour wine) was a common, cheap drink. While it could have been offered to alleviate thirst, in this context, coupled with the preceding "mocked him," it is clearly a gesture of contempt. It highlights Jesus' extreme thirst and vulnerability, turning a basic human need into an opportunity for further humiliation, fulfilling prophetic expectations of the suffering Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:36 employs several literary devices to deepen its impact. **Irony** is prominent, as Jesus, the true King of Kings, is subjected to the scorn of earthly soldiers. Their mockery of His kingship stands in stark contrast to His divine authority and ultimate reign. **Symbolism** is evident in the "vinegar," which not only represents Jesus' physical suffering and extreme thirst but also serves as a poignant symbol of the world's rejection and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering. The scene also utilizes **contrast**, juxtaposing the profound dignity and innocent suffering of Jesus with the crude and callous behavior of His tormentors. This stark difference underscores the depth of human sin and the unparalleled grace of Christ's endurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:36 is a poignant theological statement on the nature of Christ's suffering and the human condition. It reveals the depth of human depravity and the pervasive rejection of God's Anointed One, even by those carrying out the state's will. Yet, in this scene of ultimate humiliation, we witness Christ's unwavering resolve and voluntary submission to the Father's will, a testament to His perfect obedience and infinite love. His endurance of such scorn, even to the point of being offered a mocking drink, is integral to His atoning work, demonstrating that no aspect of human suffering or indignity was beneath Him in His mission to redeem humanity. This moment highlights the cost of our salvation and the profound sacrifice made by the sinless Son of God for a sinful world.

* [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar for the Thirsty")
* [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Offered Gall and Wine")
* [John 19:28-30](/john/19-28-30 "John 19:28-30 - Jesus' Thirst and the Consummation of His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Luke 23:36 serves as a powerful reminder of the immense suffering Jesus willingly endured for humanity's redemption. The soldiers' mockery, far from diminishing His glory, illuminates the profound depth of His love and commitment to His mission. For believers, this verse calls us to reflect on our own responses to scorn, ridicule, or injustice. Jesus, though innocent and divine, bore the ultimate indignity without retaliation, setting an example of patient endurance and unwavering faithfulness. His suffering reminds us that true strength often lies not in asserting power, but in humble submission and steadfast trust in God's sovereign plan, even when faced with the world's contempt. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we participate in mockery, or do we stand in solidarity with the suffering, recognizing Christ in the marginalized and abused? His enduring such profound scorn should inspire us to stand firm in our faith even when ridiculed or facing adversity, trusting in His ultimate triumph and the exaltation that followed His humiliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' endurance of mockery challenge my own reactions to scorn or ridicule in my life?**
* **What does this scene reveal about the nature of human sin and our profound need for a Savior?**
* **In what ways can I identify with Christ's suffering in my own life, and how does that strengthen my faith and commitment to His mission?**

### FAQ
**Why did the soldiers offer Jesus vinegar, and was it meant to be cruel?**

Answer: The "vinegar" (Greek: *óxos*, Latin: *posca*) was a common, cheap, sour wine or diluted vinegar, often consumed by Roman soldiers and laborers as a refreshing and hydrating drink. While sometimes such a drink might be offered to a crucified person out of pity, in the context of Luke 23:36, it is explicitly stated that "the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar." This indicates the offering was not an act of kindness but a deliberate gesture of scorn and further humiliation. It was a cruel jest, emphasizing Jesus' extreme thirst and helplessness, and playing into the broader mockery of His claims to kingship. This act also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering Messiah, as mentioned in [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar for the Thirsty").

**Was this the same drink offered to Jesus earlier in the crucifixion narrative?**

Answer: No, this offering of vinegar by the soldiers in Luke 23:36 is distinct from an earlier offering mentioned in other Gospel accounts. Before Jesus was crucified, [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Offered Gall and Wine") records that Jesus was offered "wine mingled with gall" (or myrrh, according to [Mark 15:23](/mark/15-23 "Mark 15:23 - Wine Mingled with Myrrh")). This earlier drink was likely intended as an anesthetic to dull the pain of crucifixion, but Jesus refused it. The offering in Luke 23:36, and later in [John 19:28-30](/john/19-28-30 "John 19:28-30 - Jesus' Thirst and the Consummation of His Work") when Jesus says, "I thirst," is of plain sour wine, offered during His actual suffering on the cross, and in Luke's account, it is explicitly presented as an act of mockery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:36, though depicting a moment of profound humiliation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in revealing the depth of God's redemptive plan through the suffering Messiah. Jesus, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), willingly submitted to the mockery of common soldiers, demonstrating that His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it established through worldly power. His endurance of this scorn, including the cruel offering of vinegar, was not a sign of weakness but a deliberate act of obedience to the Father's will, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a [suffering servant](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant") who would be despised and rejected by men. By bearing such indignity, Jesus identified fully with humanity's fallen state and the curse of sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His willingness to be mocked and shamed on the cross is the very means by which He secured our eternal honor and reconciliation with God. This scene foreshadows His ultimate triumph, for the one who was mocked and offered sour wine would soon be [exalted to the right hand of God](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"), having conquered sin, death, and shame, proving that the path to glory often passes through the valley of humiliation.

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

Psalms 69:21

They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

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.

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.

Matthew 27:34

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

Mark 15:19

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Mark 15:20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

John 19:28

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