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.

And {G2532} when {G3753} they had mocked {G1702} him {G846}, they took off {G1562} the purple {G4209} from him {G846}, and {G2532} put {G1746} his own {G2398} clothes {G2440} on {G1746} him {G846}, and {G2532} led {G1806} him {G846} out {G1806} to {G2443} crucify {G4717} him {G846}.

When they had finished ridiculing him, they took off the purple robe, put his own clothes back on him and led him away to be nailed to the execution-stake.

After they had mocked Him, they removed the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.

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

Mark 15:20 details the poignant moment immediately following the Roman soldiers' cruel mockery of Jesus within the praetorium. After dressing Him in a mock royal purple robe and a crown of thorns, they now strip Him of these symbols of their derision, replacing them with His own garments, and lead Him out to face His crucifixion.

Context

This verse occurs after Jesus has been condemned by Pontius Pilate, scourged, and handed over to the Roman soldiers. The preceding verses (Mark 15:16-19) describe the soldiers' elaborate and brutal mockery, where they dressed Him as a mock king, saluted Him, spat on Him, and beat Him. Mark 15:20 marks the end of this private torment and the beginning of the public procession to the execution site.

Key Themes

  • The Profound Humiliation of Christ: The act of stripping off the purple robe and replacing it with His own clothes was a final stripping away of any pretense of dignity before His public execution. It underscores the depth of the humiliation and suffering Jesus endured, fulfilling prophecies of the Suffering Servant who was oppressed and afflicted.
  • The Unstoppable March to the Cross: This verse serves as a stark transition from the soldiers' cruel game to the grim reality of execution. "Led him out" signals the immediate commencement of the procession to Golgotha, the place of the skull, highlighting the inexorable fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
  • The Sovereignty of God Amidst Human Cruelty: Despite the soldiers' malicious intent, their actions, even the mockery, unwittingly played a part in fulfilling divine prophecy and demonstrating Jesus' true, albeit unrecognized, kingship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mocked" (enepaixan - ἐνέπαιξαν) implies they treated Jesus as a plaything, engaging in a cruel, theatrical game of ridicule. The "purple" (porphyran) robe was significant because purple was the color of royalty and authority, typically worn by emperors or high officials. Its use in the mockery intensified the insult to Jesus' claim as King of the Jews, turning a symbol of power into one of profound degradation.

Practical Application

Mark 15:20 is a powerful reminder of the immense suffering and profound humility Jesus willingly endured for humanity's redemption. It underscores the depth of His love and His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. For believers, this verse invites reflection on the cost of salvation and encourages a spirit of perseverance and humility in the face of injustice or ridicule, knowing that Christ Himself faced ultimate indignity. It also reminds us that even in moments of profound suffering, God's sovereign plan is unfolding.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 19:16

    ¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

  • Matthew 27:31

    And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify [him].

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