Mark 15:29

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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?

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:29 vividly portrays the profound humiliation endured by Jesus during his crucifixion, as passersby join the chorus of scorn, directing their derision through gestures of contempt and a distorted verbal taunt. This moment highlights the depth of human rejection and misunderstanding of Jesus' true identity and mission, while ironically, the very words of their mockery unwittingly point to the central truth of his impending resurrection and the establishment of a new spiritual reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately following Jesus' crucifixion between two robbers, a detail emphasized by Mark to underscore his identification with sinners and the fulfillment of prophecy (cf. [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with the Transgressors")). The narrative in Mark 15 systematically details Jesus' suffering, from his trial before Pilate (Mark 15:1-15), the Roman soldiers' mockery (Mark 15:16-20), the journey to Golgotha (Mark 15:21-22), and his nailing to the cross (Mark 15:23-28). The mockery from the passersby, followed by that of the chief priests and scribes (Mark 15:31-32), intensifies the scene of public humiliation, demonstrating the widespread rejection of Jesus by various segments of society. This continuous stream of abuse serves to highlight the immense physical, emotional, and spiritual agony Jesus endured as part of his atoning work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was not merely a method of execution but a public spectacle designed to inflict maximum suffering, shame, and deterrence. It was a brutal display of Roman power, typically carried out in prominent locations to ensure wide viewership. The "passersby" represent the general public, indicating that Jesus' humiliation was not confined to his captors but extended to ordinary citizens. "Wagging their heads" was a common ancient gesture of scorn, derision, and malicious triumph over a defeated foe, found in various cultures and also in Old Testament laments and prophecies (e.g., [Psalm 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - All who see me mock me") and [Job 16:4](/job/16-4 "Job 16:4 - I could wag my head at you")). The taunt about destroying and rebuilding the temple reflects a misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of Jesus' earlier words, likely from a statement made during his cleansing of the temple or a similar discourse, which was later twisted into a charge of blasphemy and sedition by his accusers (cf. [Mark 14:58](/mark/14-58 "Mark 14:58 - False Testimony About the Temple")).

* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:29 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. First, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' suffering and humiliation**, depicting him as the suffering servant who endures ultimate rejection and scorn, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Second, it highlights the **misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and mission**. The mockers, like many others in Mark's Gospel, fail to grasp the spiritual depth of Jesus' words and actions, interpreting them literally and maliciously. Third, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **resurrection**, as the taunt about "three days" unwittingly points to the very truth of Jesus' coming victory over death. This ironic foreshadowing demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding even amidst human opposition and misunderstanding, a theme central to the Gospel's climax in [Mark 16:6](/mark/16-6 "Mark 16:6 - He has Risen!").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **railed (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** From G987, meaning to vilify, speak impiously, or blaspheme. It signifies speaking abusively and contemptuously against someone, especially God or sacred things. In this context, it highlights the intense verbal abuse and reviling directed at Jesus, treating him with utter contempt and disrespect.
* **destroyest (Greek, _katalýō'_):** From G2647, meaning to loosen down, disintegrate, or demolish. While Jesus' original statement (cf. [John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Destroy this Temple")) referred to his body as the temple that would be "destroyed" and raised, the mockers interpreted it literally as a threat to the physical temple in Jerusalem, using it as a basis for their accusation and ridicule.
* **temple (Greek, _naós'_):** From G3485, referring to the inner sanctuary or shrine of a temple, the dwelling place of God. The mockers understood this as the magnificent physical temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of Jewish identity and God's presence. Their accusation implies Jesus was a dangerous revolutionary threatening their most sacred institution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that passed by railed on him":** This clause introduces the general public's participation in the mockery, emphasizing that Jesus' humiliation was not confined to his official persecutors but was a widespread public spectacle. The verb "railed" (from _blasphēméō_) conveys intense verbal abuse and reviling, indicating a deep level of contempt and disrespect.
* **"wagging their heads":** This describes a physical gesture of scorn and derision, a universal sign of mocking triumph over a defeated foe. It signifies utter disdain and a lack of sympathy, further amplifying the public humiliation Jesus endured.
* **"and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple":** This reveals the specific content of their taunt, which is a distorted reference to Jesus' earlier words. The exclamation "Ah" (G3758, _ouá_) expresses surprise, contempt, or triumph. They accuse him of threatening the sacred physical temple, twisting his spiritual prophecy about his own body and resurrection into a literal, blasphemous claim.
* **"and buildest [it] in three days":** This part of the taunt continues the distorted reference, sarcastically challenging Jesus' supposed ability to rebuild the temple in a miraculously short period. Ironically, this phrase unwittingly points to the very truth of Jesus' resurrection on the third day, a profound spiritual reality they completely failed to comprehend.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:29 is rich in **Irony**, specifically **dramatic irony** and **situational irony**. The mockers' taunt, intended to humiliate and condemn Jesus, unknowingly speaks a profound truth about his impending resurrection. They accuse him of destroying and rebuilding the temple in three days, completely unaware that Jesus had indeed spoken of "this temple" as his own body, which would be destroyed (through his death) and raised (through his resurrection) in three days (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Their words, meant as an insult, become an unwitting **prophecy** and **foreshadowing** of Christ's victory over death. The **Symbolism** of the temple is also crucial; for the mockers, it represents the physical structure in Jerusalem, but for Jesus, it symbolizes his body, which would become the new dwelling place of God's presence and the means of true worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:29 powerfully illustrates the theological truth of God's sovereignty even amidst human sin and opposition. The mockery directed at Jesus, though intended for his humiliation, unwittingly served to highlight the very core of his mission and the divine plan. It underscores the profound spiritual blindness of those who reject Christ, focusing on superficial or literal interpretations while missing the deeper spiritual realities of his identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes. This scene is a poignant reminder that God's purposes cannot be thwarted, and even the most malicious human actions can be woven into the tapestry of His redemptive plan, culminating in the triumph of the cross and resurrection.

* [Psalm 22:7](/psalms/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - All who see me mock me"): Prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah's public mockery and scorn.
* [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple"): Jesus' original statement about the temple, clarifying that he spoke of his body and resurrection.
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose on the Third Day"): Affirmation of Christ's death and resurrection on the third day, validating the unwitting prophecy of the mockers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 15:29 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to reflect on the immense cost of our salvation, reminding us that Jesus endured not only physical agony but also the deepest emotional and psychological pain of public scorn and false accusation. His unwavering perseverance in the face of such intense cruelty serves as a powerful example for us to endure hardship, criticism, and misunderstanding with grace and forgiveness, rather than retaliation. Furthermore, the mockers' spiritual blindness to Jesus' true meaning about the temple challenges us to seek deeper spiritual understanding of God's Word, to look beyond surface interpretations, and to discern the profound truths of Christ's person and work. It reminds us that God's plan often unfolds in ways that confound human wisdom, and even in moments of apparent defeat, His ultimate triumph is assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' endurance of public mockery challenge my own reactions to criticism or misunderstanding?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to spiritual blindness, missing deeper truths because of literal or superficial interpretations?**
* **How does the irony of the mockers' words, unwittingly pointing to the resurrection, strengthen my faith in God's sovereign plan?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of true suffering for Christ's sake, and how might I apply it in my own walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did the passersby mock Jesus with this specific taunt about the temple?**

Answer: The taunt "Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days" was a distorted reference to Jesus' earlier words, likely from a statement he made during his cleansing of the temple or a similar discourse. In [John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Temple"), Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jewish leaders and the public, either intentionally or out of misunderstanding, interpreted this literally as a threat to the magnificent physical temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and national identity. This accusation was even brought up as false testimony during Jesus' trial (cf. [Mark 14:58](/mark/14-58 "Mark 14:58 - False Testimony Against Jesus")). Thus, the mockers used this perceived blasphemy and threat against their sacred institution as a basis for their ridicule, unaware of the profound spiritual meaning Jesus intended.

**Was Jesus actually going to destroy the physical temple in Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not referring to the physical temple in Jerusalem. As [John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - He Spoke of the Temple of His Body") clarifies, "But he spake of the temple of his body." Jesus was prophesying his own death and resurrection. His body would be "destroyed" through crucifixion, and he would be "raised up" on the third day. The mockers' literal interpretation completely missed the spiritual, prophetic significance of his words, which pointed to his identity as the new and ultimate dwelling place of God's presence, superseding the physical temple.

**How does this mockery about building the temple in "three days" relate to Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: This is a profound example of dramatic irony and unwitting prophecy. The mockers intended their words as a sarcastic challenge and an insult, highlighting what they perceived as Jesus' absurd claims. However, their taunt precisely echoed the truth of Jesus' impending resurrection. Jesus did indeed "build" or raise himself (through the power of God) from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. What they meant for evil and ridicule, God used to subtly foreshadow the ultimate victory of Christ over death, a central tenet of the Christian faith (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose on the Third Day")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:29, depicting the mockery of Jesus concerning the temple, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus himself as the new and ultimate Temple. The physical temple in Jerusalem, with its sacrifices and rituals, was a shadow and type of God's dwelling among His people. Jesus' statement, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," was a radical redefinition, revealing that His own body would be the true locus of God's presence and the means of atonement. His death on the cross was the "destruction" of this temple, and His resurrection on the third day was its "rebuilding"—not of stone, but of a new, living reality. This event inaugurates a new covenant where access to God is no longer through a physical structure but directly through Christ's broken body and shed blood (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Through the Veil, His Flesh")). The mockers, in their spiritual blindness, inadvertently proclaimed the very truth that would validate Jesus' messianic claims and usher in the era of the Church, the spiritual temple built of living stones (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")), with Christ as its cornerstone (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the taunt against the crucified Christ ultimately points to His glorious triumph as the resurrected Lord and the Head of His new, spiritual temple.

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 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,