Mark 15:36

KJV

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} one {G1520} ran {G5143} and {G2532} filled {G1072} a spunge {G4699} full {G1072} of vinegar {G3690}, and {G5037} put it on {G4060} a reed {G2563}, and gave {G4222} him {G846} to drink {G4222}, saying {G3004}, Let alone {G863}; let us see {G1492} whether {G1487} Elias {G2243} will come {G2064} to take {G2507} him {G846} down {G2507}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar, put it on a stick and gave it to him to drink. "Wait!" he said, "Let's see if Eliyahu will come and take him down."

Berean Standard Bible

And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. He put it on a reed and held it up for Jesus to drink, saying, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.”

American Standard Version

And one ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to take him down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:36 captures a poignant moment during Jesus' crucifixion, just before His death, where a bystander offers Him sour wine on a reed. This act, whether intended as meager relief or further humiliation, is immediately followed by the onlookers' sarcastic challenge, urging the man to "let alone" so they might witness if Elijah would miraculously appear to rescue Jesus, reflecting the deep-seated misunderstanding and mockery surrounding His final moments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Mark's passion narrative, immediately following Jesus' loud cry of dereliction, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?") as recorded in [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). The preceding verses detail the relentless [mockery and abuse Jesus endured](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mockery on the Cross") from passersby, chief priests, and scribes. Mark 15:36 serves as a final, cruel taunt, underscoring the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of many who witnessed the crucifixion, setting the stage for Jesus' imminent death in [Mark 15:37](/mark/15-37 "Mark 15:37 - Jesus' Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of offering "vinegar" (Greek: _oxos_), a cheap, sour wine or diluted vinegar, was common in the Roman world. It was a standard drink for soldiers and laborers, often used to quench thirst. While it could offer some physical relief, in this context, the accompanying words transform it into an act of sustained mockery rather than genuine compassion. The mention of "Elias" (Elijah) taps into a deeply held Jewish expectation, rooted in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), that the prophet Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah to prepare the way or to intervene in times of great distress. The bystanders' challenge reveals their misinterpretation of Jesus' cry of "Eloi" as a call for Elijah, highlighting their spiritual inability to grasp Jesus' true identity and mission.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:36 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It emphasizes the theme of **suffering and humiliation**, showing the depth of indignity Jesus endured, even in His final moments. It highlights the pervasive **misunderstanding and unbelief** that characterized the response to Jesus throughout His ministry, culminating in the ultimate rejection on the cross. Furthermore, the offering of sour wine subtly points to the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, particularly [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar"), underscoring God's sovereign plan unfolding even amidst human wickedness. Finally, the verse reinforces the **humanity of Jesus**, who, despite His divine nature, experienced profound physical thirst and the pain of being scorned, demonstrating His complete identification with humanity in His atoning sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _gemízō_):** Transitive, meaning "to fill entirely" or "to be full." In this context, it emphasizes the completeness with which the sponge was saturated with vinegar, suggesting a deliberate and full preparation of the drink.
* **vinegar (Greek, _óxos_):** Refers to sour wine, a common, inexpensive drink. While it could offer some relief from thirst, its cheapness and the context of mockery often imply a lack of true compassion, distinguishing it from the more potent, pain-dulling wine offered earlier in [Mark 15:23](/mark/15-23 "Mark 15:23 - Wine Mixed with Myrrh").
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías_):** The Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Elijah. His name here evokes the Jewish expectation of his return, often associated with messianic times or divine intervention, as seen in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Elijah's Return"). The bystanders' use of his name reflects their misinterpretation of Jesus' cry and their cynical hope for a dramatic, external rescue.
* **to take him down (Greek, _kathairéō_):** From _katá_ (down) and _hairéomai_ (to take). It means "to lower" or "to demolish." Here, it specifically refers to taking Jesus down from the cross, either implying a rescue from death or the removal of His body after death. In the context of the bystanders' taunt, it clearly implies a miraculous intervention to save Him from the crucifixion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar":** This clause describes the immediate action of a bystander. The act of running suggests a swift, perhaps eager, response. The sponge, a common implement for administering liquids, is fully saturated with _oxos_, the sour wine. This preparation sets the stage for the offering, which is ambiguous in its intent—is it a genuine, albeit crude, act of mercy, or part of the ongoing mockery?
* **"and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink":** The use of a "reed" (Greek: _kálamos_) indicates that Jesus was out of reach, likely elevated on the cross, necessitating a long stick to extend the sponge to His lips. This detail underscores the physical distance and the public nature of the event. The action of giving Him to drink fulfills the physical need for hydration, but the subsequent words reveal the true, cynical motivation.
* **"saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down":** This is the crucial part of the verse, revealing the bystanders' mindset. The phrase "Let alone" (Greek: _aphíēmi_) is a command to the one offering the drink, urging him to cease his action and allow events to unfold, specifically to see if Elijah would appear. This statement is laden with **irony** and **sarcasm**. They are not genuinely expecting Elijah to save Jesus, but rather using the popular messianic expectation to further mock Jesus' claim to be the Messiah, implying that if He were truly God's chosen one, He would be miraculously rescued. Their challenge reflects their profound unbelief and desire for a spectacle rather than a spiritual truth.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:36 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the act of offering a drink, which might typically be seen as compassionate, is immediately subverted by the cruel and sarcastic challenge that follows. This creates a stark contrast between a potential act of mercy and the actual intent of mockery. There is also **Symbolism** present; the "vinegar" (sour wine) can symbolize the bitterness of Jesus' suffering and the humiliation He endured, a stark contrast to the "new wine" of the kingdom He proclaimed. The "reed" itself, a fragile and common plant, might subtly symbolize Jesus' perceived weakness and vulnerability in the eyes of His tormentors, yet it paradoxically serves as the instrument through which a prophecy is fulfilled. The bystanders' words also employ **Sarcasm**, feigning a desire to see a divine intervention while clearly doubting Jesus' divine status. This scene also functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience knows that Elijah will not come to "take him down" in the way the crowd expects, but that Jesus' "taking down" from the cross will be the ultimate act of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:36 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of Jesus' suffering and the human response to divine truth. It underscores that Jesus' agony was not merely physical but deeply spiritual and emotional, compounded by relentless scorn and misunderstanding. Even in His final moments, He faced not compassion, but a cynical challenge to His identity and mission. This scene highlights the profound spiritual blindness of those who witnessed the Messiah's ultimate act of love, demonstrating humanity's capacity for hardened hearts and unbelief in the face of undeniable truth. Yet, paradoxically, this very act of mockery, including the offering of sour wine, fulfills ancient prophecies, affirming God's sovereign control over every detail of Christ's passion, ensuring that even human wickedness served His redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar")
* [Matthew 27:47-49](/matthew/27-47-49 "Matthew 27:47-49 - Mockery and the Sponge")
* [John 19:28-30](/john/19-28-30 "John 19:28-30 - Jesus Cries 'I Thirst' and Drinks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:36 calls us to a profound reflection on the nature of suffering, both our own and that of others, and our response to it. In this scene, Jesus, the innocent Son of God, endures not only excruciating physical pain but also the psychological torment of relentless mockery and spiritual blindness from those He came to save. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we, like the bystanders, stand by with skepticism, contributing to others' pain through indifference, cynicism, or judgment? Or do we offer genuine compassion and understanding, even when it is difficult or inconvenient? The verse also deepens our appreciation for the immense cost of our salvation. Jesus' willingness to endure such humiliation and agony, even to the point of being mocked with a basic drink, reveals the boundless depth of His love and commitment to fulfilling His redemptive mission. It compels us to respond with gratitude, humility, and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor His sacrifice, extending grace and truth to a world that often misunderstands and rejects the very source of its hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the bystanders' reaction in Mark 15:36 challenge my own tendency to misunderstand or misinterpret divine actions or the suffering of others?**
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, contribute to the "mockery" or pain of others through my words, attitudes, or inaction?**
* **Considering Jesus' endurance of such humiliation, how does this verse deepen my appreciation for the atonement and His willingness to suffer for me?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine compassion and understanding, even towards those who are difficult or who seem to reject truth?**

### FAQ
**Was the vinegar offered to Jesus an act of compassion?**

Answer: While the act of offering a drink might appear compassionate on the surface, the context in [Mark 15:36](/mark/15-36 "Mark 15:36 - The Vinegar Offering") strongly suggests it was part of the ongoing mockery and cruelty Jesus endured. The "vinegar" (Greek: _oxos_) was a cheap, sour wine, a common drink for soldiers and laborers, not a refined or comforting beverage. Crucially, the offer is immediately followed by the sarcastic challenge, "Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down." This accompanying taunt reveals the true intent: not to alleviate suffering, but to prolong the spectacle and further ridicule Jesus' claims, particularly after His cry of dereliction in [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). While one individual might have had a flicker of pity, the collective sentiment was clearly one of scorn.

**Why did the bystanders mention Elijah?**

Answer: The bystanders mentioned Elijah (Elias) because they either genuinely misunderstood Jesus' cry of "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?") as a call for Elijah, or, more likely, they deliberately twisted it for mocking purposes. In Jewish tradition, based on [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), Elijah was expected to return before the Messiah or in a time of great distress to perform miraculous interventions. By challenging, "Let us see whether Elias will come to take him down," they were sarcastically daring Jesus to prove His divine connection or messianic claims by summoning a legendary prophet to rescue Him from the cross. It was a taunt designed to highlight His perceived helplessness and expose what they believed to be His false claims.

**Does this verse fulfill any Old Testament prophecy?**

Answer: Yes, the offering of sour wine to Jesus on the cross is widely understood to be a subtle fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar"). This messianic psalm, which vividly describes the suffering of the righteous one, states, "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." The detail in [Mark 15:36](/mark/15-36 "Mark 15:36 - The Vinegar Offering"), along with accounts in other Gospels, aligns precisely with this prophetic utterance. This fulfillment underscores the divine sovereignty over every detail of Jesus' passion, demonstrating that even the cruelest acts of humanity were part of God's predetermined plan for redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:36, depicting Jesus' final moments of humiliation on the cross, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a miraculous rescue by Elijah, but in Jesus' ultimate, self-sacrificial act of atonement. The bystanders' cynical challenge to "see whether Elias will come to take him down" utterly misses the point of Jesus' mission. He did not come to be taken down from the cross by an earthly prophet, but to willingly lay down His life as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His endurance of the vinegar and the mockery, amidst profound physical and spiritual agony, underscores His complete identification with humanity in its suffering and sin, yet without sin Himself. This moment is a testament to the depths of His humility, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"), where He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross. His apparent weakness and abandonment on the cross were, in fact, the very means by which He triumphed over sin and death, becoming the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 2:14-18](/hebrews/2-14-18 "Hebrews 2:14-18 - Christ's Incarnation and Priesthood")). Thus, the "taking down" that truly mattered was not a rescue from the cross, but His voluntary descent into death, only to be gloriously raised, ultimately "taking down" the power of sin and death for all who believe, demonstrating God's love for us in that [while we were still sinners, Christ died for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated").

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

Psalms 69:21

They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Mark 15:23

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

Luke 23:36

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

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.