Mark 15:25

KJV

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it was {G2258} the third {G5154} hour {G5610}, and {G2532} they crucified {G4717} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was nine in the morning when they nailed him to the stake.

Berean Standard Bible

It was the third hour when they crucified Him.

American Standard Version

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:25 succinctly records the precise moment of Jesus' crucifixion, stating, "And it was the third hour, and they crucified him." This terse declaration marks the commencement of the most pivotal event in human history, the atoning sacrifice of God's Son. The specificity of the time (9:00 AM) underscores the divine orchestration of this profound act, while the stark statement of the crucifixion highlights the brutal reality of Christ's suffering and the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This concise verse is strategically placed within Mark's fast-paced passion narrative, serving as the dramatic climax. It immediately follows Jesus' unjust condemnation by Pontius Pilate ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Delivers Jesus")), the brutal scourging, and the soldiers' cruel mockery, where they dressed Him in a purple robe and crowned Him with thorns ([Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16-20 "Mark 15:16-20 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")). The narrative then transitions to Jesus being led out to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where He is offered wine mixed with myrrh, which He refuses ([Mark 15:21-23](/mark/15-21-23 "Mark 15:21-23 - Jesus Led to Golgotha")). Mark 15:25 thus marks the beginning of the actual crucifixion, setting the stage for the subsequent events on the cross, including the casting of lots for His garments, the mocking by passersby, and the final moments leading to His death at the ninth hour ([Mark 15:24-37](/mark/15-24-37 "Mark 15:24-37 - The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion was a horrific method of execution employed by the Roman Empire, designed to inflict maximum pain, humiliation, and public deterrence. It was typically reserved for slaves, rebels, and the lowest class of criminals. The victim was nailed or tied to a cross, often dying slowly from asphyxiation, shock, or exhaustion. The "third hour" refers to approximately 9:00 AM, as the Roman day was typically divided into twelve hours of daylight, beginning around 6:00 AM. This precise timing indicates the early morning start of Jesus' six-hour ordeal on the cross. Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion, was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, a common practice for executions, making it a public spectacle. The Jewish Passover festival was underway, a time when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims, amplifying the public nature of Jesus' execution.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Precision of God's Timing**, emphasizing that even amidst human injustice and brutality, God's sovereign plan was unfolding with meticulous accuracy. The specific mention of "the third hour" underscores the divine orchestration of Jesus' sacrifice, a testament to the meticulous fulfillment of God's redemptive agenda, as seen throughout biblical prophecy, such as in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Secondly, the stark declaration "and they crucified him" encapsulates the **Depths of Christ's Suffering**, revealing the immense physical and spiritual agony Jesus endured. This was not merely an execution but a profound act of self-sacrifice, where the Son of God bore the sins of humanity, showcasing the immense cost of redemption and the immeasurable love that motivated Jesus to endure such torment. Lastly, it signifies the **Culmination of God's Redemptive Plan**, as the crucifixion is the central event through which humanity's salvation is achieved, fulfilling the Old Testament's sacrificial system and prophetic declarations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hour (Greek, _hōra'_):** (G5610) This word, referring to an "hour" or "season," is significant here for its precision. Mark's specific mention of "the third hour" (9:00 AM) emphasizes the exact timing of Jesus' crucifixion, suggesting a divinely appointed moment rather than a random event. It highlights the meticulous unfolding of God's plan.
* **third (Greek, _trítos'_):** (G5154) As an ordinal number, "third" precisely locates the event within the daily cycle. This detail is crucial for understanding the chronology of the passion week and for harmonizing the Gospel accounts, even with apparent discrepancies, as it underscores the historical rootedness and specificity of the event.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō'_):** (G4717) Derived from the word for "cross," this verb means "to impale on the cross." It is a direct and unvarnished statement of the brutal method of execution. The use of this word immediately conveys the horror and suffering involved, but also, in a theological sense, points to the act of atonement and the extinguishing of sin's power.
* **him (Greek, _autós'_):** (G846) This reflexive pronoun refers unequivocally to Jesus. Its inclusion emphasizes that the entire, brutal act of crucifixion was directed at Him personally, underscoring His unique identity as the one who endured this suffering for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was the third hour":** This clause establishes the precise time of the crucifixion's commencement, approximately 9:00 AM. This detail is not merely chronological but carries theological weight, suggesting the divine orchestration of events. It marks the beginning of Jesus' final, agonizing six hours on the cross, culminating in His death at the ninth hour (3:00 PM).
* **"and they crucified him":** This stark and concise statement describes the brutal act itself. "They" refers to the Roman soldiers who carried out the execution under Pilate's command. The passive voice for "him" underscores Jesus' submission to this fate, yet it was a willing submission to God's sovereign plan. This clause encapsulates the immense suffering and humiliation Jesus endured, making explicit the method of His atoning death.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel is known for its concise and direct style, and Mark 15:25 exemplifies this **Brevity** and **Conciseness**. The verse delivers a profound event with minimal words, focusing on the action and its timing without elaborate description, which serves to heighten the dramatic impact. There is an implicit **Irony** in the scene: the King of the Jews, the Son of God, is being executed as a common criminal, a stark contrast between His true identity and the humiliating circumstances. The event itself is also rich in **Symbolism**, with the cross becoming the ultimate symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, a powerful emblem of Christian faith. The entire passion narrative, leading up to this verse, employs **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus repeatedly predicted His suffering and death, making this verse the fulfillment of those prophecies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:25 stands as the theological epicenter of the Christian faith, declaring the commencement of Christ's atoning work on the cross. The precision of "the third hour" underscores God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating that even the darkest moment of human injustice was perfectly aligned with His eternal plan for redemption. This was not a random act but the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the ultimate demonstration of God's profound love for humanity, where the innocent Son of God bore the full weight of human sin. The crucifixion reveals the immense cost of salvation and the depth of Christ's obedience to the Father's will, establishing the foundation for reconciliation between God and humanity.

* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:25, though brief, demands profound reflection. It calls us to gaze upon the cross, not as a historical artifact, but as the living testament to God's unfathomable love and the immense cost of our salvation. The precision of "the third hour" reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the most agonizing, and that His perfect plan unfolds with divine timing. We are invited to contemplate the "they crucified him" with deep gratitude, recognizing that Jesus willingly endured the most brutal and humiliating death imaginable to bear our sins and reconcile us to God. This verse compels us to live lives of humble devotion, acknowledging that our redemption came at an immeasurable price. It should inspire us to trust in God's perfect timing even in our own trials and to live out the sacrificial love that Christ exemplified.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of "the third hour" deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and His meticulous plan for salvation?**
* **What does the stark reality of "they crucified him" reveal about the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice for you personally?**
* **In what ways should the central event of the crucifixion, as described in this verse, shape your daily walk, priorities, and response to suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "third hour" significant in Mark's account?**

Answer: The "third hour" (approximately 9:00 AM) is significant because it marks the precise beginning of Jesus' crucifixion. According to Roman timekeeping, the day began at 6:00 AM, making the third hour 9:00 AM. Mark's Gospel emphasizes this specific timing to underscore the historical reality and the divine orchestration of this pivotal event. It highlights that Jesus' suffering and death were not random occurrences but part of God's predetermined plan, unfolding with meticulous accuracy. This specific detail sets the stage for the six-hour ordeal on the cross, culminating in Jesus' death at the ninth hour ([Mark 15:33-37](/mark/15-33-37 "Mark 15:33-37 - The Darkness and Jesus' Death")).

**Who are "they" who crucified Jesus?**

Answer: "They" primarily refers to the Roman soldiers who carried out the execution under the direct orders of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Pilate Delivers Jesus")). However, from a broader theological perspective, the responsibility for Jesus' crucifixion extends to various groups: the Jewish religious leaders who conspired against Him and demanded His death ([Mark 14:53-65](/mark/14-53-65 "Mark 14:53-65 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")), the crowd who chose Barabbas over Jesus ([Mark 15:6-15](/mark/15-6-15 "Mark 15:6-15 - Barabbas Released")), and ultimately, humanity's sin, which necessitated His sacrifice. The New Testament teaches that Jesus was delivered up by God's "definite plan and foreknowledge" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Purpose andforeknowledge")), indicating that while human agents were responsible, the event itself was part of God's sovereign redemptive purpose.

**How does Mark's timing of the crucifixion compare with John's Gospel?**

Answer: Mark 15:25 states that Jesus was crucified at "the third hour" (around 9:00 AM). In contrast, [John 19:14](/john/19-14 "John 19:14 - Pilate's Judgment") mentions that Pilate brought Jesus out for judgment "about the sixth hour" (around 12:00 PM). This apparent discrepancy has been a subject of scholarly discussion. Some propose that John might be using a different timekeeping system (e.g., Roman military time, where the day started at midnight, or a Jewish system that began earlier). Others suggest that John's "sixth hour" refers to the *completion* of the trial and the *delivery* of Jesus for crucifixion, while Mark's "third hour" refers to the *actual commencement* of the crucifixion itself. Another view is that John's timing refers to the entire process of Pilate's final judgment and public display, which could have extended until noon, while Mark focuses on the moment the nails were driven. Regardless of the precise reconciliation, both Gospels agree on the historical fact of the crucifixion and its profound significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:25, though brief, stands as the stark and pivotal moment of Christ-centered fulfillment. It records the beginning of the ultimate sacrifice, where Jesus, the promised Messiah, was "crucified." This act was the culmination of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, was led to the slaughter, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), where the suffering servant bears the iniquities of many. His crucifixion at "the third hour" was not a random tragedy but the precise execution of God's sovereign will, demonstrating that 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"). Through this brutal act, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His death on the cross, initiated at this precise hour, was the necessary shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrew/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")), establishing the new covenant. Thus, Mark 15:25 points directly to the heart of the Gospel: Christ's substitutionary atonement, through which believers are granted new life and reconciliation with God, ultimately leading to His glorious resurrection and ascension, which validate His completed work on the cross ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")).

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

Mark 15:33

¶ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

John 19:14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

Luke 23:44

¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Acts 2:15

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day.

Matthew 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.