Mark 15:23

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

And {G2532} they gave {G1325} him {G846} to drink {G4095} wine {G3631} mingled with myrrh {G4669}: but {G1161} he received {G2983} it not {G3756}.

and they gave him wine spiced with myrrh, but he didn't take it.

There they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it.

And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

Context

Mark 15:23 describes a pivotal moment during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Having just been led to Golgotha, the place of the skull, Jesus is offered a drink. This verse sets the stage for the intense suffering that immediately follows, highlighting His conscious decision to endure the full agony of the cross without any mitigation. The soldiers would soon proceed with dividing His garments, as noted in Mark 15:24.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Voluntary Suffering: The central message of this verse is Jesus' deliberate refusal of a substance intended to dull His pain. By rejecting the wine mingled with myrrh, Jesus chose to face the full, unmitigated physical and spiritual agony of crucifixion. This underscores His voluntary sacrifice for humanity.
  • Complete Obedience: Jesus' refusal demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will, even unto death. He was determined to drink the "cup" of suffering that had been appointed for Him, as referenced in John 18:11. This act of refusal highlights His perfect obedience through suffering.
  • Identification with Humanity: By enduring the cross without artificial relief, Jesus fully identified with the depths of human pain and suffering, making Him a compassionate High Priest who can truly sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wine mingled with myrrh" refers to a common narcotic mixture offered to those condemned to crucifixion. Myrrh (Greek: smurna or smyrna) is a bitter gum resin known for its aromatic properties and, significantly, its use as an analgesic or painkiller. It was also used in embalming, creating a poignant duality at this moment of Jesus' impending death. This mixture would have had a stupefying effect, easing the pain and consciousness of the crucified, similar to the "vinegar mingled with gall" mentioned in Matthew 27:34. Jesus' refusal underscores His clarity of mind and purpose in facing His ordeal.

Practical Application

Mark 15:23 offers profound lessons for believers today. Jesus' refusal to numb His pain teaches us the importance of facing life's trials and sufferings with courage and reliance on God, rather than seeking to escape or dull the necessary process. His unmitigated sacrifice should deepen our appreciation for the immense cost of our salvation and the love that compelled Him to endure it fully. When we face our own "crosses," we can draw strength from His example, knowing that He fully understands our pain because He experienced it completely.

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.

  • Matthew 27:34

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

  • John 19:28

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

  • John 19:30

    When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

  • Luke 22:18

    For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

  • Luke 23:36

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

  • Mark 14:25

    Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 26:19

    And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

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