Mark 10:34

KJV

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall mock {G1702} him {G846}, and {G2532} shall scourge {G3146} him {G846}, and {G2532} shall spit upon {G1716} him {G846}, and {G2532} shall kill {G615} him {G846}: and {G2532} the third {G5154} day {G2250} he shall rise again {G450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who will jeer at him, spit on him, beat him and kill him; but after three days, he will rise."

Berean Standard Bible

who will mock Him and spit on Him and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise again.”

American Standard Version

and they shall mock him, and shall spit upon him, and shall scourge him, and shall kill him; and after three days he shall rise again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:34 presents Jesus' third and most explicit prophecy of His impending passion, death, and resurrection, delivered to His disciples as they journey towards Jerusalem. This detailed foretelling reveals the divine necessity of His suffering—including mockery, scourging, and spitting—culminating in His crucifixion, yet triumphantly concluding with the promise of His bodily resurrection on the third day, underscoring both His divine foreknowledge and the core message of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Gospel of Mark, serving as the climax of Jesus' three passion predictions (cf. [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus' First Passion Prediction") and [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Mark 9:31 - Jesus' Second Passion Prediction")). Each successive prediction becomes more detailed and explicit, yet the disciples' comprehension remains remarkably dim. Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus has just taught about the demands of discipleship and the dangers of wealth (Mark 10:17-31). Following this prophecy, James and John make their ambitious request for positions of glory in Jesus' kingdom (Mark 10:35-45), starkly highlighting their persistent misunderstanding of the suffering Messiah and the true nature of His mission. The journey to Jerusalem, which frames this entire section, is presented as a purposeful march towards the cross, not a triumphal entry to an earthly throne.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific acts of humiliation foretold—mocking, scourging, and spitting—were common forms of public degradation and torture in the Roman world, often preceding crucifixion. Scourging (Latin: *flagrum*) was a brutal flogging designed to inflict maximum pain and weaken the victim before execution, sometimes even leading to death. Spitting was a profound act of contempt and rejection in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying utter disdain. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah at this time was largely centered on a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"). This deeply ingrained expectation made it incredibly difficult for the disciples to grasp the concept of a suffering and dying Messiah, despite the clear prophecies of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:34 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that Jesus' passion was not an unforeseen tragedy but a divinely orchestrated plan for salvation, meticulously foretold by Christ Himself. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Suffering and Humiliation** as integral to the Messiah's work, contrasting sharply with the disciples' worldly ambitions and underscoring the radical nature of Jesus' kingdom. Thirdly, the concluding promise of **Resurrection** serves as the ultimate triumph over death and sin, transforming the narrative of suffering into one of ultimate victory. This theme is foundational to Christian hope, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection"), where he states that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Finally, the disciples' repeated failure to grasp these predictions underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Misunderstanding**, revealing the profound chasm between Jesus' divine mission and their human expectations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mock (Greek, _empaízō'_):** From *en* (in) and *paízō* (to play), this word signifies more than simple ridicule; it implies a contemptuous derision, treating someone as a jest or plaything. It conveys the idea of scornful sport, where the object of mockery is treated with utter disdain and amusement. This word highlights the profound humiliation Jesus would endure.
* **scourge (Greek, _mastigóō'_):** Derived from *mastix* (a whip), this term refers to a severe flogging. It describes a brutal and painful punishment, often inflicted with a whip designed to tear the flesh, commonly used by the Romans before crucifixion. This word emphasizes the physical torment Jesus would suffer.
* **spit upon (Greek, _emptýō'_):** From *en* (in) and *ptýō* (to spit), this action was a deeply offensive and humiliating gesture in ancient cultures. It signified profound contempt, disgust, and rejection, an act of public shaming meant to debase the recipient.
* **rise again (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** From *aná* (up) and *hístēmi* (to stand), this verb literally means "to stand up" or "to cause to stand up." In the context of death, it unequivocally denotes a physical, bodily resurrection, not merely a spiritual ascent or a metaphorical rising. It confirms the historical and tangible reality of Jesus' return from the dead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall mock him,"**: This clause foretells the initial stage of Jesus' public humiliation, where He would be subjected to scornful derision and treated as an object of ridicule by His captors and accusers. This was fulfilled by the soldiers (cf. [Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16-20 "Mark 15:16-20 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")).
* **"and shall scourge him,"**: This predicts the severe physical torture Jesus would endure, a brutal flogging designed to weaken Him and inflict extreme pain before His execution. This act was a common prelude to crucifixion and is recorded in [Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Scourges Jesus").
* **"and shall spit upon him,"**: This clause anticipates an act of profound cultural insult and contempt, signifying utter disdain and rejection from His tormentors. This specific humiliation is also recorded in [Mark 15:19](/mark/15-19 "Mark 15:19 - The Soldiers Spit on Jesus").
* **"and shall kill him:"**: This is the stark and unambiguous prediction of Jesus' death, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice He was to make. This refers to His crucifixion, a brutal form of execution reserved for the worst criminals, which is detailed in [Mark 15:21-39](/mark/15-21-39 "Mark 15:21-39 - The Crucifixion of Jesus").
* **"and the third day he shall rise again."**: This concluding clause is the pivotal promise of triumph over death. It asserts the certainty of Jesus' bodily resurrection on the third day after His crucifixion, transforming the narrative of suffering and death into one of ultimate victory and hope. This foundational event is recounted in [Mark 16:1-8](/mark/16-1-8 "Mark 16:1-8 - The Resurrection of Jesus").

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:34 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent device is **Prophecy**, as Jesus explicitly foretells His future suffering, death, and resurrection with remarkable precision. This serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension and highlighting the divine necessity of these events. The detailed description of the indignities—mocking, scourging, spitting—employs **Anaphora** through the repeated "and shall," emphasizing the cumulative nature of the suffering. There is also a stark **Contrast** presented: the depths of human cruelty and humiliation ("mock," "scourge," "spit upon," "kill") are immediately followed by the ultimate divine triumph ("rise again"). This juxtaposition underscores the power of God to overcome even the finality of death. Furthermore, the very fact that Jesus, the divine Son, would endure such abject humiliation presents a profound **Irony**, challenging conventional notions of power and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:34 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the essential components of the Gospel message: the atoning death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It reveals God's sovereign plan for salvation, demonstrating that Christ's suffering was not a tragic accident but a divinely ordained necessity for the redemption of humanity. The detailed nature of the prophecy underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and control, even in the face of immense suffering. This passage links the Old Testament prophecies of the Suffering Servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")) with their New Testament fulfillment, establishing Jesus as the promised Messiah who would achieve victory not through political power, but through self-sacrificial love and triumph over death. It also sets the pattern for true discipleship, calling believers to embrace a path of humility and self-denial, knowing that suffering for Christ is ultimately followed by glory.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant's Atonement")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel's Core Message")
* [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:34 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to contemplate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the power of His resurrection. In a world that often values comfort and avoids suffering, Jesus' willingness to embrace humiliation and death for the sake of humanity challenges us to re-evaluate our own priorities. This verse reminds us that true victory often emerges from apparent defeat, and that God's greatest work can be accomplished through unexpected means. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are difficult or incomprehensible, knowing that He works all things for good. Furthermore, the promise of resurrection provides an unwavering hope in the face of personal trials, loss, and even death, assuring us that our ultimate destiny is not in the grave but in new life with Christ. Embracing the truth of Mark 10:34 means aligning our lives with the self-sacrificial love of Jesus, finding strength and purpose in His triumph over sin and death, and living with the confident expectation of His ultimate return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' detailed foreknowledge of His suffering and resurrection impact your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to seek worldly glory or comfort instead of embracing the path of humble service and potential suffering, as exemplified by Christ?**
* **How does the promise of resurrection in this verse provide hope and strength in your current challenges or fears?**
* **What does Mark 10:34 teach you about the true nature of discipleship and leadership within the Christian faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus predict His death and resurrection multiple times, and why did the disciples still not understand?**

Answer: Jesus predicted His passion multiple times (at least three major instances in Mark: [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "First Passion Prediction"), [Mark 9:31](/mark/9-31 "Second Passion Prediction"), and [Mark 10:34](/mark/10-34 "Third Passion Prediction")) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His divine foreknowledge and control over events, proving that His death was not an accident but a purposeful, pre-ordained act of salvation. Secondly, it was to prepare His disciples, however inadequately, for the traumatic events to come, ensuring that after the resurrection, they would recall His words and understand the divine plan. The disciples' failure to grasp these predictions stemmed primarily from their deeply ingrained Messianic expectations. They, like most Jews of their time, anticipated a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom of glory, not a suffering servant who would die a humiliating death. Their worldview was so fixed on an earthly triumph that they simply could not reconcile it with the idea of a crucified Messiah, even when Jesus explicitly told them. This highlights the human tendency to filter divine truth through preconceived notions, rather than allowing God's word to reshape our understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:34 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the very person and work of Jesus Christ. Every detail of His prophecy—the mocking, scourging, spitting, and killing—was meticulously enacted during His passion, culminating in His crucifixion, as recorded in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "The Soldiers Mock Jesus") for mocking and spitting; [John 19:1](/john/19-1 "Pilate Scourges Jesus") for scourging; [Mark 15:25](/mark/15-25 "Jesus is Crucified") for killing). Yet, the profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies not merely in the suffering, but in the triumphant conclusion: "and the third day he shall rise again." This resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating Jesus' claims, conquering sin and death, and securing eternal life for all who believe (cf. [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")). Through His death, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His resurrection demonstrates His victory over the grave and His power as the Son of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, Mark 10:34 is not just a prediction; it is the concise summary of the Gospel itself, revealing Christ as the suffering servant who became the reigning Lord, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new covenant of grace through His completed work on the cross and empty tomb. His passion and resurrection are the very heart of God's redemptive plan, offering reconciliation and new life to all humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:17-19](/2_corinthians/5-17-19 "Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Matthew 26:67

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

Luke 22:63

¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

Luke 22:65

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

Mark 14:63

Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

Mark 15:29

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,