Mark 15:31

KJV

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {G1161}{G3668} also {G2532} the chief priests {G749} mocking {G1702} said {G3004} among {G4314} themselves {G240} with {G3326} the scribes {G1122}, He saved {G4982} others {G243}; himself {G1438} he cannot {G3756}{G1410} save {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers made fun of him, saying to each other, "He saved others, but he can't save himself!"

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!

American Standard Version

In like manner also the chief priests mocking him among themselves with the scribes said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:31 captures a moment of profound spiritual blindness and bitter irony at the foot of the cross, as the chief priests and scribes mock Jesus with the taunt, "He saved others; himself he cannot save." This statement, intended as an insult and proof of His failure, inadvertently articulates the very essence of His divine mission: that His inability to save Himself was precisely the means by which He accomplished the salvation of humanity. It underscores the ultimate paradox of the cross, where weakness becomes strength and death becomes life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Mark's Gospel, within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' crucifixion. Immediately preceding it, Jesus has been scourged, mocked by Roman soldiers, and led to Golgotha, where He is crucified between two criminals. The narrative emphasizes His profound suffering and humiliation, fulfilling prophetic expectations. The mocking by the religious leaders here is not an isolated incident but part of a continuous stream of ridicule and rejection that Jesus endures, both from the Gentiles (soldiers) and His own people's spiritual authorities. This particular taunt follows the general mocking by those passing by and the criminals themselves, intensifying the emotional and spiritual weight of the scene. The subsequent events include the darkness over the land and Jesus' final cry, leading to His death and the tearing of the temple veil, all of which underscore the cosmic significance of this moment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "chief priests" (ἀρχιερεῖς, *archiereis*) and "scribes" (γραμματεῖς, *grammateis*) represented the highest echelons of Jewish religious and legal authority in Jerusalem. The chief priests were primarily Sadducees, responsible for temple operations, while the scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law, often Pharisees. Both groups had vehemently opposed Jesus throughout His ministry, viewing Him as a threat to their authority, traditions, and the established social order. Their presence at the crucifixion, continuing their mockery, highlights their deep-seated animosity and their desire to see Jesus utterly discredited. In their understanding, a true Messiah would have been a powerful, conquering figure, a political and military liberator who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom. Jesus' apparent helplessness on the cross, therefore, was, to them, definitive proof that He was a fraud and not the promised Messiah. Their taunt reflects this profound misunderstanding of God's redemptive plan and the nature of the Messiah's suffering servant role, as foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:31 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Gospel of Mark. Foremost is the theme of **Profound Irony and Paradox**, where human wisdom and expectations are inverted by divine truth. The very accusation leveled against Jesus—that He could not save Himself—is the profound truth of His mission: His self-sacrifice was the means of salvation for others. This ties into the theme of **Sacrificial Love and Obedience**, demonstrating Jesus' ultimate surrender to the Father's will and His willingness to endure the cross for the redemption of humanity, as highlighted in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). The verse also underscores the **Misunderstanding of Messiahship**, as the religious leaders' expectations of a conquering king blind them to the suffering servant Messiah. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' consistent teaching about His suffering and death, as seen in His passion predictions (e.g., [Mark 8:31](/mark/8-31 "Mark 8:31 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). Finally, the scene vividly portrays the **Depth of Human Rejection and Scorn** directed at Jesus, not only from the Roman authorities but from the very spiritual leaders of Israel, emphasizing the profound spiritual blindness that characterized much of the opposition to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mocking (Greek, _empaízō_):** From ἐν (*en*, "in") and παίζω (*paízō*, "to play"), this verb means "to play with, to make sport of," and by extension, "to deride, to ridicule, to mock." It suggests a deep, contemptuous ridicule that goes beyond simple teasing, implying a profound level of scorn and derision. The religious leaders were not merely jesting but actively expressing their contempt and triumph over Jesus.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō_):** This versatile verb means "to save, deliver, preserve, heal, make whole." In the context of Jesus' ministry, it refers to His numerous miracles of physical healing, deliverance from demonic possession, and even forgiveness of sins (e.g., [Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - Jesus Forgives Sins")). The chief priests and scribes acknowledge Jesus' past power to "save others," which makes their subsequent taunt all the more ironic and blasphemous in their eyes.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû_):** This reflexive pronoun emphasizes the subject acting upon itself. The contrast here is stark: "He saved *others*; *himself* he cannot save." This highlights the self-sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. His focus was entirely outward, on the salvation of humanity, rather than inward, on His own preservation. The very essence of His saving work required Him to *not* save Himself from the cross.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes,"**: This opening clause establishes the identity of the mockers and their collective action. The presence of both "chief priests" and "scribes" signifies the unified opposition of the religious establishment. The word "likewise" (ὁμοίως, *homoíōs*) indicates that their mockery is in continuity with the general ridicule Jesus is already enduring from the passersby and soldiers, amplifying the intensity of His suffering. The phrase "among themselves" (πρὸς ἀλλήλους, *pros allḗlous*) suggests a shared, conspiratorial delight in His perceived downfall, reinforcing their collective animosity.
* **"He saved others; himself he cannot save."**: This is the core of their taunt, a bitter accusation that inadvertently reveals a profound theological truth. The first part, "He saved others," is a grudging admission of Jesus' well-known miraculous powers and healing ministry. They could not deny the evidence of His past "saving" acts. However, the second part, "himself he cannot save," is intended as a triumphant declaration of His impotence and a refutation of His claims to Messiahship. From their limited human perspective, a true Messiah would demonstrate power by saving Himself from death. Yet, from a divine perspective, it is precisely His *unwillingness* to save Himself that enables Him to save humanity from sin and death. This statement encapsulates the central paradox of the atonement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, which is the most prominent literary device. The chief priests and scribes intend their statement as a cutting insult, a definitive proof of Jesus' failure and a refutation of His messianic claims. However, their words contain an profound, unintended truth: Jesus' *inability* (or rather, His deliberate choice *not* to) save Himself is precisely what enables Him to save humanity. This creates a powerful **Paradox**, where weakness becomes strength and self-sacrifice becomes the ultimate act of salvation. There is also clear **Antithesis** in the contrasting phrases "saved others" versus "himself he cannot save," highlighting the fundamental difference between their understanding of power and God's. This scene also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the very "failure" they proclaim is the necessary prelude to His ultimate triumph over sin and death through resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:31 stands as a pivotal theological statement, articulating the profound paradox at the heart of Christian salvation. The religious leaders' taunt, intended to discredit Jesus, inadvertently highlights the very essence of His atoning work. Jesus' refusal to descend from the cross was not a demonstration of weakness but the ultimate act of divine love and obedience, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. His inability to save Himself, from a human perspective, was His divine *willingness* to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. This moment underscores that true power in God's economy is often found in humility, self-emptying, and sacrificial love, rather than in overt displays of might. It challenges human expectations of a conquering hero, revealing instead a suffering servant who achieves victory through apparent defeat.

* [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins") - "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience") - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
* [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily") - "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:31 serves as a profound reminder that God's ways are often contrary to human wisdom and expectation. For believers today, this verse challenges our own preconceived notions of power, success, and salvation. It calls us to embrace the paradox of the cross: that true strength is found in humility, victory in surrender, and life in death. When we face ridicule or misunderstanding for our faith, or when our efforts to serve God seem to yield no immediate, visible "saving" results for ourselves, we can look to Christ's example. His willingness to endure the ultimate humiliation, not for His own sake but for ours, underscores the radical, self-giving nature of Christian love and discipleship. It reminds us that our salvation came at an immeasurable cost, prompting gratitude and a deeper commitment to living a life that reflects His sacrificial love, even when it means embracing apparent weakness or suffering for the sake of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the irony of the religious leaders' taunt challenge my own understanding of God's power and how He works in the world?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek self-preservation or worldly success rather than embracing a path of humility and self-sacrifice, as exemplified by Christ?**
* **How does Jesus' "inability" to save Himself on the cross deepen my appreciation for the cost of my salvation and His immense love for me?**
* **When I face scorn or misunderstanding for my faith, how can remembering Christ's experience at the cross strengthen my resolve and trust in God's ultimate plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did the chief priests and scribes mock Jesus with this particular statement?**

Answer: The chief priests and scribes mocked Jesus with "He saved others; himself he cannot save" for several reasons. Firstly, it was a bitter taunt intended to discredit His claims to being the Messiah or the Son of God. In their understanding, a true Messiah would demonstrate divine power by saving Himself from such a humiliating death, perhaps by descending from the cross as a triumphant king. Secondly, it was a public acknowledgment, albeit a sarcastic one, of Jesus' well-known miracles of healing and deliverance ("He saved others"). They couldn't deny His past acts of power, but they used this very fact to highlight what they perceived as His current impotence. Their mockery reflected their profound spiritual blindness and their rejection of God's true redemptive plan, which involved a suffering Messiah rather than a conquering one. They were looking for a political deliverer, not a spiritual savior who would die for the sins of the world, as alluded to in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected").

**What is the theological significance of Jesus not saving Himself from the cross?**

Answer: The theological significance of Jesus not saving Himself from the cross is immense and central to Christian doctrine. His "inability" to save Himself was not a lack of power, but a deliberate act of obedience to His Father's will and an expression of His profound love for humanity. Had Jesus saved Himself, He would not have fulfilled the prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Led Like a Lamb to Slaughter")) and, more importantly, He would not have accomplished atonement for sin. His death on the cross was the necessary sacrifice to pay the penalty for humanity's sin, reconcile humanity to God, and overcome the power of sin and death. This act of selfless surrender, freely chosen, demonstrates the depth of God's love and the unique nature of Christ's saving work, as explained in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The taunt of the chief priests and scribes in [Mark 15:31](/mark/15-31 "Mark 15:31 - The Religious Leaders Mock Jesus")—"He saved others; himself he cannot save"—is a profound statement of Christ-centered fulfillment, albeit one spoken in ignorance and malice. Precisely because Jesus chose *not* to save Himself from the cross, He became the ultimate Savior. His divine power was not demonstrated by avoiding suffering, but by willingly embracing it as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. This "inability" was, in fact, the ultimate expression of His obedience to the Father's will and His boundless love for humanity, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Bears Many Sins")). By enduring the cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the propitiation for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")), and the one through whom we receive eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). His apparent weakness on the cross was the very means by which He triumphed over sin, death, and the devil, demonstrating that God's power is perfected in weakness and His wisdom confounds human understanding ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser Than Human Wisdom")). Thus, the very words intended to condemn Him ultimately proclaim His saving mission and the glorious paradox of the gospel.

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 12:23

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

John 12:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Luke 23:35

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Luke 23:37

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

John 11:47

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.