Mark 15:37

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Mark 15:37 describes the solemn and pivotal moment of Jesus' death on the cross. This verse is the culmination of immense suffering endured by Jesus, beginning with His arrest, trials before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, and brutal scourging. The preceding verses in Mark 15 detail His crucifixion alongside two criminals, the mockery from passersby, and the supernatural darkness that covered the land from the sixth to the ninth hour (Mark 15:33). This immediate context sets the stage for the profound theological implications of His final breath.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Sacrifice: The KJV phrase 'gave up the ghost' implies a voluntary act, not merely succumbing to physical exhaustion. Jesus did not have His life *taken* from Him; rather, He *laid it down* (John 10:18). This highlights His divine control and purpose in His death.
  • Divine Authority and Strength: His 'loud voice' just before expiring is significant. Unlike typical death cries of weakness, this suggests a final declaration of power and authority, perhaps echoing the triumph of 'It is finished' (John 19:30), underscoring that He was in control of His own departure.
  • Atonement and Redemption: Jesus' death was the ultimate act of atonement for humanity's sins. His sacrifice was the payment required to reconcile sinful humanity with a holy God, offering redemption and forgiveness to all who believe (Colossians 1:14).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase 'gave up the ghost' translates the Greek verb exepneusen (ἐξέπνευσεν), which literally means 'breathed out' or 'expired.' While it simply denotes the act of dying, the context of Jesus' 'loud voice' (Greek: phōnē megalē) immediately preceding it suggests a deliberate, powerful act rather than a quiet fading away. This contrasts with the typical portrayal of death, emphasizing Jesus' unique control over His life and death, even in His final moments.

Significance & Application

Mark 15:37 marks the central event of the Christian faith: the death of Jesus Christ. This verse is not merely a historical record but the foundation of salvation. His voluntary sacrifice demonstrates God's immense love for humanity and His perfect justice, as the penalty for sin was fully paid. For believers, this moment signifies the breaking of sin's power and the opening of a new way to God, symbolized powerfully by the tearing of the temple veil described in the very next verse. Reflecting on this verse encourages profound gratitude for the gift of eternal life made possible through His death and subsequent resurrection. It calls us to live lives surrendered to Him, understanding the immense cost of our redemption.

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Cross-References

  • John 19:30 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 23:46 (3 votes)

    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.