Mark 15:37

KJV

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} cried {G863} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, and gave up the ghost {G1606}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua let out a loud cry and gave up his spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last.

American Standard Version

And Jesus uttered a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:37 captures the climactic and profoundly significant moment of Jesus' death on the cross. After enduring unimaginable suffering, mockery, and the supernatural darkness that enveloped the land, Jesus cries out with a loud voice, a final declaration of power and control, before voluntarily yielding His spirit. This verse marks the culmination of His earthly mission and the ultimate act of atonement, setting the stage for the cosmic implications of His sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 15:37 is the apex of Mark's passion narrative, immediately following the period of supernatural darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' crucifixion between two criminals [Mark 15:27](/mark/15-27 "Mark 15:27 - Two Robbers Crucified with Jesus"), the mockery He endured from passersby, chief priests, and scribes [Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mockery of Jesus"), and His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). The verse directly precedes the tearing of the temple veil [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "Mark 15:38 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil") and the centurion's confession [Mark 15:39](/mark/15-39 "Mark 15:39 - The Centurion's Confession"), both of which underscore the profound theological significance of Jesus' death. This immediate sequence highlights that His death was not a defeat but a purposeful, powerful act with cosmic consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution reserved by the Romans primarily for slaves, rebels, and the lowest classes of criminals. It was designed to inflict maximum suffering and public degradation, serving as a deterrent to rebellion. Jewish law also stipulated that one "hanged on a tree is cursed by God" [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is Everyone Who Hangs on a Tree"), adding a layer of theological ignominy to Jesus' death in the eyes of many of His contemporaries. The "ninth hour" (around 3 PM) was a significant time, coinciding with the evening sacrifice at the Temple, a detail that would have resonated deeply with Jewish audiences, subtly linking Jesus' sacrifice to the sacrificial system. The presence of the centurion and the women watching from a distance [Mark 15:40-41](/mark/15-40-41 "Mark 15:40-41 - Women at the Cross") also provides historical realism, depicting the typical scene around a crucifixion site.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. It is the ultimate demonstration of **Jesus' Obedience and Sacrifice**, fulfilling the prophetic declarations of His suffering servant role found in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). The "loud voice" emphasizes **Divine Authority and Control**, portraying His death not as a passive surrender to fate but as a deliberate, willed act, contrasting with the typical weakening cries of the dying. Furthermore, it is the foundational event for **Atonement and Redemption**, signifying the payment for humanity's sin and the establishment of a new covenant. Mark's narrative, though concise, powerfully conveys the cosmic significance of this moment, leading directly into the tearing of the temple veil, which symbolizes direct access to God made possible through Christ's sacrifice, a theme also explored in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** While the KJV translates this as "cried," the Greek verb `aphíēmi` (G863) primarily means "to send forth," "to let go," or "to yield up." In this context, combined with "voice," it signifies a powerful, intentional utterance, not a weak gasp. This choice of word underscores Jesus' active agency even in His final moments, suggesting a deliberate vocalization rather than a mere shout of agony.
* **loud (Greek, _mégas'_):** The Greek `mégas` (G3173) denotes something "big" or "great" in various applications, including "loud" when referring to sound. Its use here emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Jesus' final cry. It was not a whisper or a fading breath, but a strong, audible declaration, defying the typical physical deterioration expected of someone dying from crucifixion. This "loud voice" (phōnḗ megalē) signals strength and purpose, not weakness.
* **gave up the ghost (Greek, _ekpnéō'_):** The Greek `ekpnéō` (G1606) literally means "to breathe out" or "to expire." The KJV's "gave up the ghost" captures the sense of voluntarily yielding one's spirit or life. This phrase, especially when paired with the preceding "loud voice," strongly implies a deliberate act of surrender rather than simply succumbing to death. Jesus did not merely die; He actively "breathed out" or "yielded" His life, highlighting His divine control over the timing and manner of His death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus cried with a loud voice":** This clause describes Jesus' final vocalization before His death. The "loud voice" is remarkable given the extreme physical exhaustion and suffering of crucifixion. It suggests a deliberate, powerful utterance, perhaps a declaration or a final act of will, rather than a cry of weakness or pain. This contrasts sharply with the typical fading of a dying person and hints at Jesus' unique control over His own life and death.
* **"and gave up the ghost."**: This second clause describes the act of Jesus' death. The phrase "gave up the ghost" (translating `ekpnéō`) implies a voluntary yielding of His spirit or life, rather than merely expiring. This emphasizes His agency in His death, reinforcing the theological understanding that His life was not taken from Him, but that He willingly laid it down as a sacrifice, in fulfillment of His divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative in this verse employs several powerful literary devices. The **Juxtaposition** of "cried with a loud voice" and "gave up the ghost" is striking. Typically, a person dying from crucifixion would be too weak for a loud cry; their final moments would be characterized by fading strength. Jesus' powerful vocalization immediately before death highlights His divine control and agency, contrasting with the expected human frailty. This also serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the onlookers likely expected a weak death, but Jesus' final act demonstrates His power even in apparent defeat. The phrase "gave up the ghost" functions as a **Euphemism** for death, but in this context, it carries a deeper theological weight, implying a voluntary surrender of life rather than a mere cessation of breath. This voluntary aspect is a subtle form of **Symbolism**, representing Jesus' active participation in His own sacrifice, a deliberate act of atonement rather than a passive victimhood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:37 is the theological epicenter of the Gospel, signifying the ultimate act of divine love and justice. Jesus' death, particularly its voluntary nature underscored by His "loud voice" and "giving up the ghost," is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It is the atoning sacrifice that reconciles humanity to God, paying the penalty for sin and inaugurating the new covenant. This moment is not merely the end of Jesus' earthly life but the beginning of a new era of salvation, demonstrating God's immense love for a fallen world and establishing the foundation for the resurrection and the church.

* [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound moment captured in Mark 15:37 invites us to pause and contemplate the immense cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love. Jesus' death was not a tragic accident but a purposeful, willed sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. His final, loud cry, far from being a sign of weakness, underscores His divine authority and control, even in the face of death. This should instill in us a profound sense of gratitude and humility, recognizing that our salvation was purchased at an immeasurable price. It calls us to live lives worthy of such a sacrifice, marked by obedience, love, and a willingness to lay down our own lives for the sake of the Gospel. Reflecting on this verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, Christ's victory over sin and death is assured, offering hope and strength for our own spiritual journeys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "loud voice" and voluntary "giving up the ghost" challenge common perceptions of death and weakness?**
* **What does Jesus' agency in His death reveal about the nature of God's love and justice?**
* **How should the understanding of Jesus' voluntary sacrifice impact our daily lives and our commitment to following Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus crying with a "loud voice" just before He died?**

Answer: The "loud voice" in [Mark 15:37](/mark/15-37 "Jesus' Final Cry and Death") is highly significant because it defies the typical physical deterioration expected of someone dying from crucifixion. Victims of crucifixion usually weaken over hours or days, their voices fading to whispers. Jesus' powerful cry, however, suggests a deliberate, willed act rather than a final gasp of exhaustion. It indicates that He was still in control, making a final declaration or a final surrender of His spirit on His own terms, rather than simply succumbing to the physical agony. This emphasizes His divine authority and the voluntary nature of His sacrifice, as also seen in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "It Is Finished").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:37, depicting Jesus' final, powerful cry and voluntary surrender of His spirit, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's proclamation of Jesus as the sovereign Lord over life and death, whose sacrifice perfectly atoned for humanity's sin. His "loud voice" before death is not a cry of despair but a declaration of victory, foreshadowing the triumphant cry "It is finished!" found in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "Jesus' Final Words"). This moment fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Suffering Servant, who would "pour out his soul unto death" [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "He Poured Out His Soul Unto Death"), and establishes Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood provides redemption [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ"). His deliberate "giving up the ghost" underscores the truth that no one took His life from Him; He willingly laid it down, demonstrating His unique power and purpose [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "Jesus Has Power to Lay Down His Life"). This voluntary, powerful death is the foundation of the New Covenant, opening the way for direct access to God, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil in the very next verse [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "The Tearing of the Temple Veil"), and paving the way for His glorious resurrection, which confirms His victory over sin and death [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Raised for Our Justification").

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 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Matthew 27:50

¶ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Luke 23:46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.