Mark 15:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:20 vividly portrays the pivotal transition from the Roman soldiers' cruel mockery of Jesus to the commencement of His public execution. After subjecting Him to a humiliating charade of kingship within the praetorium, dressing Him in a mock royal robe and crown of thorns, they now strip away these symbols of their derision. Replacing the purple garment with His own humble clothes, they lead Him forth from the confines of the barracks to the place of crucifixion, marking the grim, irreversible step towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial turning point in Mark's narrative of Jesus' passion. Immediately preceding it, [Mark 15:16-19](/mark/15-16-19 "Mark 15:16-19 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus") details the Roman soldiers' sadistic performance within the praetorium, where they dressed Jesus as a mock king, crowned Him with thorns, saluted Him, spat upon Him, and beat Him. Mark 15:20 marks the cessation of this private, theatrical torment and the grim initiation of the public procession to the execution site. It acts as a bridge, moving the narrative from the enclosed space of the barracks to the open road leading to Golgotha, setting the stage for the actual crucifixion described in [Mark 15:21-26](/mark/15-21-26 "Mark 15:21-26 - The Crucifixion"). The shift back to "his own clothes" underscores the stripping away of the mock dignity and the return to His identity as the suffering servant, now ready for the ultimate sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Mark 15:20 unfold against the backdrop of Roman judicial and military practices in Judea. The praetorium was the Roman governor's official residence, often a fortress or palace, where legal proceedings and military operations took place. The soldiers' actions were typical of Roman legionaries, who often engaged in brutal and demeaning treatment of condemned criminals, especially those perceived as threats to Roman authority or those whose claims (like kingship) were seen as seditious. The "purple" robe was a deliberate and potent symbol of mockery, as purple dye was exceedingly expensive and reserved for royalty, emperors, or high-ranking officials, signifying power and status. By dressing Jesus in purple, the soldiers were ridiculing His alleged claim to be "King of the Jews," a charge for which He was condemned. Leading Him "out to crucify him" refers to the standard Roman practice of public execution outside the city walls, a deterrent spectacle designed to instill fear and demonstrate Roman power.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Profound Humiliation and Suffering of Christ**, emphasizing the depth of indignity Jesus willingly endured. The act of stripping off the purple and replacing it with His own clothes was not an act of mercy, but a final stripping away of any pretense of dignity before His public execution, fulfilling prophecies of the [Suffering Servant who was oppressed and afflicted](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the phrase "led him out" underscores the **Unstoppable March to the Cross** and the inexorable fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This verse serves as a stark transition from the soldiers' cruel game to the grim reality of execution, highlighting the immediate commencement of the procession to [Golgotha, the place of the skull](/mark/15-22 "Mark 15:22 - Jesus Led to Golgotha"). Finally, it subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God Amidst Human Cruelty**. Despite the soldiers' malicious intent and their unwitting participation in a divine drama, their actions, even the mockery, unwittingly played a part in demonstrating Jesus' true, albeit unrecognized, kingship and moving Him towards the cross, which was God's ultimate plan for salvation, as seen in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Jesus' Crucifixion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mocked (Greek, _empaízō'_):** From *en* (in) and *paízō* (to play), this verb literally means "to play in" or "to make sport of." It conveys a sense of treating someone as a plaything, engaging in a cruel, theatrical game of ridicule. The soldiers' actions were not merely insults but a deliberate, organized performance of derision, turning Jesus into an object of their sadistic amusement. This word highlights the profound disrespect and dehumanization Jesus endured.
* **took off (Greek, _ekdýō'_):** From *ek* (out of) and the base of *dýnō* (to sink), this word means "to cause to sink out of" or "to divest." Specifically, in the context of clothing, it means to strip, take off from, or unclothe. The act of *ekdýō* here signifies the removal of the mock royal attire, signaling the end of the "game" and the return to the grim reality of the execution process. It's a reversal of the previous act of dressing Him up, preparing Him for the final, public humiliation.
* **own (Greek, _ídios'_):** This adjective means "pertaining to self," or "one's own," implying something private or separate. The return of Jesus' *ídios* clothes emphasizes His personal identity, stripped of the false regalia. It highlights the stark contrast between the mock king and the humble man who is about to be crucified. This detail underscores the profound humility and vulnerability of Jesus as He is prepared for death.
* **crucify (Greek, _stauróō'_):** From *staurós* (a cross), this verb means "to impale on the cross." Figuratively, it can mean to extinguish passion or selfishness. In this context, it refers to the brutal method of execution by nailing or tying a person to a cross, leaving them to die of exhaustion and asphyxiation. The mention of *stauróō* here is the ultimate purpose of the procession, the climax of the soldiers' actions, and the horrific end to which Jesus is being led.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had mocked him":** This clause refers to the preceding events described in [Mark 15:16-19](/mark/15-16-19 "Mark 15:16-19 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus"), where the Roman soldiers subjected Jesus to a prolonged and cruel charade of kingship within the praetorium. They dressed Him in a purple robe, placed a crown of thorns on His head, saluted Him as "King of the Jews," spat on Him, and repeatedly struck Him. This mockery was a deliberate act of humiliation, designed to ridicule His claims and break His spirit before His public execution.
* **"they took off the purple from him":** Having completed their sadistic game, the soldiers now remove the symbols of their derision. The "purple" robe, which was a color associated with royalty and authority, was used to mock Jesus' claim to kingship. Its removal signifies the end of the theatrical performance and the return to the grim reality of a condemned man. This act, while seemingly a return to normalcy, was part of the systematic dehumanization, preparing Him for the public spectacle of the cross.
* **"and put his own clothes on him":** After stripping Him of the mock royal attire, the soldiers clothe Jesus once again in His own garments. This detail emphasizes the profound humility of Jesus, returning Him to His simple, unadorned state. It also serves a practical purpose, as condemned individuals were typically led to execution in their own clothes, further exposing their vulnerability and public shame. The contrast between the elaborate purple robe and His humble clothes underscores the stark reality of His impending death.
* **"and led him out to crucify him":** This final clause marks the decisive transition from the private torment within the praetorium to the public procession to the execution site. "Led him out" indicates the immediate commencement of the journey to Golgotha, the place of crucifixion. The purpose is explicit: "to crucify him." This phrase encapsulates the ultimate fate awaiting Jesus, highlighting the culmination of the legal proceedings and the beginning of the final, agonizing phase of His passion, fulfilling the divine plan for atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the soldiers' act of dressing Jesus in a purple robe and then removing it is a perverse inversion of true kingship. They mock Him as a king, yet unknowingly, they are preparing the King of Kings for His ultimate enthronement on the cross. The **Symbolism** of the purple robe is crucial; it represents earthly royalty and power, which the soldiers use to ridicule Jesus, but its removal signifies His transition from a mock king to the true, humble King who achieves victory through suffering. There is a strong sense of **Contrast** between the private, contained mockery within the praetorium and the public, exposed journey to crucifixion. The verse acts as a **Transition**, moving the narrative from one phase of suffering to the next, building narrative tension towards the climax of the crucifixion. Finally, the phrase "led him out to crucify him" serves as a direct **Foreshadowing** of the gruesome event that immediately follows, emphasizing the inevitability of His sacrificial death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:20 profoundly underscores the depth of Christ's humiliation and His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto the most ignominious death. The transition from mock kingship to being led out in His own humble clothes for crucifixion highlights the radical nature of God's redemptive plan, where the King of Glory embraces the path of a condemned criminal. This passage emphasizes that Jesus' suffering was not accidental or a mere consequence of human malice, but a divinely ordained step in His mission to atone for the sins of humanity. His willingness to endure such indignity reveals the boundless love of God and the ultimate cost of salvation, demonstrating that true authority and victory are achieved not through worldly power, but through self-sacrificial love and obedience.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Enduring the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:20 is a stark reminder of the profound suffering and ultimate humility that Jesus willingly embraced for humanity's redemption. As we reflect on the soldiers stripping Him of the mock purple robe and returning His own clothes, we are invited to contemplate the true cost of our salvation. Jesus, the King of the Universe, allowed Himself to be stripped of all dignity, paraded as a common criminal, and led to a horrifying death. This should evoke deep gratitude and awe for His immeasurable love and unwavering obedience to the Father's will. For believers, this passage calls us to embrace humility, to be willing to suffer for righteousness' sake, and to persevere in faith even when facing ridicule or injustice. It reminds us that our identity in Christ is not found in worldly accolades or power, but in sharing in His suffering and following His path of self-sacrifice. In moments of personal indignity or public shame, we can find solace and strength in the knowledge that our Savior endured the ultimate humiliation, paving the way for our eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' willingness to endure such profound humiliation challenge my own understanding of dignity and honor?**
* **In what ways might I be called to embrace humility or endure indignity for the sake of Christ or the Gospel?**
* **How does the transition from private mockery to public procession in this verse deepen my appreciation for the cost of my salvation?**
* **What does Jesus' unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death, teach me about submission and trust in God's plan?**

### FAQ

**Why did the soldiers put Jesus' "own clothes" back on Him after the mockery?**

Answer: The act of putting Jesus' "own clothes" back on Him served multiple purposes. Practically, it was standard Roman procedure for condemned criminals to be led to execution in their own garments, often to enhance their public shame and vulnerability. The mock purple robe was part of a theatrical performance of derision within the confines of the praetorium; once that "game" was over, the practicalities of the execution procession took precedence. Theologically, the return to His humble clothes underscores Jesus' profound humility and the stripping away of all worldly pretense, emphasizing His identity as the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant") who would be led as a lamb to the slaughter. It highlights the stark contrast between the false regalia and the true, unadorned King who would conquer through sacrifice, not worldly splendor.

**What was the significance of the "purple" robe used in the mockery?**

Answer: The "purple" robe was highly significant because purple dye was extremely rare and costly in the ancient world, reserved almost exclusively for royalty, emperors, and high-ranking officials. By dressing Jesus in purple, the Roman soldiers were deliberately mocking His claim (or the accusation against Him) of being the "King of the Jews." It was a cruel parody of royal investiture, turning a symbol of ultimate power and authority into an instrument of profound humiliation and ridicule. This act underscored their contempt for Jesus and His perceived challenge to Roman imperial authority, even as it unwittingly highlighted His true, albeit unrecognized, spiritual kingship, as seen in [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingship to Pilate").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:20, depicting Jesus' transition from private mockery to the public procession to the cross, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The humiliation of being stripped of the mock royal robe and led out in His own clothes foreshadows the ultimate nakedness and shame He would endure on the cross, yet it is precisely through this abasement that His true kingship is established. He is led out as a criminal, but in reality, He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. His journey to Golgotha, driven by human malice, was simultaneously the sovereign path ordained by God for the redemption of humanity. This moment of extreme vulnerability and public disgrace is the very means by which Jesus, the [Son of God](/mark/1-1 "Mark 1:1 - The Beginning of the Gospel"), conquers sin and death. His suffering and obedience, culminating in the cross, serve as the foundation for the New Covenant, where believers are clothed in His righteousness, having been redeemed by His sacrifice. As [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith") reminds us, Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame," demonstrating that His path of humiliation was the very route to His exaltation and our salvation, making Him the [Lord of glory](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - The Lord of Glory").

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

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].