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,

And {G2532} they that passed by {G3899} railed {G987} on him {G846}, wagging {G2795} their {G846} heads {G2776}, and {G2532} saying {G3004}, Ah {G3758}, thou that destroyest {G2647} the temple {G3485}, and {G2532} buildest {G3618} it in {G1722} three {G5140} days {G2250},

People passing by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! So you can destroy the Temple, can you, and rebuild it in three days?

And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

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

Mark 15:29 describes a moment of intense suffering and humiliation for Jesus during his crucifixion. As he hung on the cross, passersby joined in the chorus of mockery, directing scornful words and gestures toward him.

Context of Mark 15:29

This verse is set immediately after Jesus has been nailed to the cross between two thieves (Mark 15:27). The scene is one of public spectacle and profound agony. The "passersby" represent the general public, not just the religious leaders or Roman soldiers, indicating widespread contempt. Their actions—"railing on him" and "wagging their heads"—were common ancient expressions of derision and contempt, signifying utter disdain and mocking triumph over a defeated foe. This public humiliation was an integral part of the crucifixion's cruelty, designed to maximize shame and suffering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intense Mockery and Humiliation: The verse powerfully illustrates the depth of Jesus' suffering, not only physically but emotionally and psychologically. He was subjected to public scorn and ridicule, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the suffering Messiah, such as those found in Psalm 22:7.
  • Distortion of Jesus' Words: The taunt, "Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days," is a twisted reference to Jesus' earlier statement in John 2:19. In that instance, Jesus spoke of the "temple" as his own body, which he would raise up after three days (referring to his resurrection). The mockers, either intentionally or out of misunderstanding, interpreted his words literally about the physical temple in Jerusalem, using it as a basis for their ridicule.
  • Foreshadowing of Resurrection: Ironically, their taunt about building the temple in "three days" unwittingly pointed to the very truth of Jesus' coming resurrection on the third day. What they intended as an insult was, in fact, a veiled prophecy of his victory over death.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "railed on him" is blasphemountes, which carries the strong sense of reviling, insulting, or even blaspheming. It signifies speaking abusively and contemptuously against someone, especially God or sacred things. The phrase "wagging their heads" (Greek: kinountes tas kephalas autōn) is a universal gesture of scorn and derision, found in various ancient cultures and also in other biblical texts (e.g., Job 16:4).

Practical Application and Reflection

Mark 15:29 serves as a stark reminder of the cost of salvation and the depth of human sin and misunderstanding. For believers today, it offers several reflections:

  • Perseverance Amidst Scorn: Jesus endured unimaginable mockery and false accusations without retaliation. This calls us to perseverance and forgiveness when we face unfair criticism or misunderstanding for our faith.
  • Understanding Spiritual Truth: The mockers focused on the literal temple, missing the profound spiritual truth Jesus spoke about his body and resurrection. This highlights the importance of seeking deeper spiritual understanding beyond surface interpretations.
  • The Power of the Resurrection: Even in their attempts to humiliate, the mockers unknowingly repeated a core truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus would indeed "build" (or raise) himself in three days. This underscores the triumph of God's plan even amidst human opposition.
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.

  • Mark 14:58

    We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

  • Psalms 109:25

    I became also a reproach unto them: [when] they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

  • Lamentations 2:15

    All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

  • Lamentations 1:12

    ¶ [Is it] nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted [me] in the day of his fierce anger.

  • John 2:18

    Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  • John 2:22

    When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

  • Matthew 27:39

    And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

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