Matthew 27:30

KJV

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they spit {G1716} upon {G1519} him {G846}, and took {G2983} the reed {G2563}, and {G2532} smote {G5180} him {G846} on {G1519} the head {G2776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They spit on him and used the stick to beat him about the head.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.

American Standard Version

And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:30 vividly portrays the profound physical abuse and humiliation Jesus endured at the hands of Roman soldiers just prior to His crucifixion. Following their elaborate mockery, which included dressing Him in a scarlet robe and crowning Him with thorns, the soldiers intensified their cruelty by repeatedly spitting upon Him and striking Him on the head with the very reed they had given Him as a mock scepter, demonstrating extreme contempt and violence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic Passion narrative in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following the Roman soldiers' elaborate charade of mocking Jesus as "King of the Jews." After Pontius Pilate delivered Jesus to be crucified ([Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Pilate Delivers Jesus")), the soldiers led Him into the Praetorium, the governor's headquarters, where they assembled the entire company. There, they stripped Him, dressed Him in a scarlet robe, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and a reed in His right hand, then knelt before Him in sarcastic homage, proclaiming, "Hail, King of the Jews!" ([Matthew 27:28-29](/matthew/27-28-29 "Matthew 27:28-29 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus")). Verse 30 is the culmination of this brutal mockery, detailing the physical assault that followed the verbal abuse and symbolic degradation, setting the stage for His removal to Golgotha for crucifixion ([Matthew 27:31](/matthew/27-31 "Matthew 27:31 - Jesus Led Away to Be Crucified")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described occurred within the Roman judicial and military system in Judea. The Praetorium was the official residence and administrative center of the Roman governor, a place of Roman authority and power. Roman soldiers were known for their brutality and often engaged in such acts of humiliation, especially towards those condemned as enemies of the state or perceived as threats to Roman order. Spitting upon someone was, in ancient Near Eastern and Roman cultures, an act of extreme contempt, revulsion, and public shaming, designed to utterly degrade the victim. Striking a person on the head, particularly with an object, was a severe physical assault, intended to inflict pain and further dishonor. The use of the "reed"—initially a mock scepter—as a weapon was a particularly cruel twist, transforming a symbol of false kingship into an instrument of real violence, underscoring the soldiers' disdain for Jesus' claims and their enjoyment of His suffering.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:30 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Profound Humiliation and Suffering** of Christ, emphasizing the depth of indignity and physical pain He willingly endured. This suffering is not random but is presented as the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, particularly passages like [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant Endures Shame and Spitting") where the Suffering Servant declares, "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting," and [Psalm 22:7](/psalm/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - A Psalm of Scorn and Mockery") which speaks of being scorned and mocked. Secondly, the verse underscores **Jesus' Passive Endurance** and perfect obedience to the Father's will. Despite the extreme provocation, Jesus remains silent and does not retaliate, embodying the humility and self-emptying described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). This scene thus serves as a stark reminder of the immense cost of redemption and the divine love that propelled Christ through such an ordeal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spit (Greek, _emptýō'_):** From G1716, meaning "to spit at or on." This verb denotes a deliberate and repeated action of spitting, signifying the highest degree of contempt, disgust, and public humiliation. In ancient cultures, spitting on someone was a profound insult, an act of utter degradation meant to strip the victim of all dignity. The imperfect tense in the Greek (ἔπτυον) suggests a continuous or repeated action, indicating sustained abuse rather than a single instance.
* **reed (Greek, _kálamos'_):** From G2563, referring to "a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen." In this context, the _kálamos_ was initially given to Jesus as a mock scepter, a cruel parody of royal authority. Its transformation from a symbol of false kingship into an instrument of physical violence underscores the soldiers' malicious intent and the depth of their mockery. It highlights the irony and brutality of the scene.
* **smote (Greek, _týptō'_):** From G5180, meaning "to 'thump', i.e. cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows." This verb implies forceful, repeated striking, distinguishing it from a single blow. The imperfect tense (ἔτυπτον) again emphasizes the continuous nature of the assault. The soldiers were not merely tapping Him but were repeatedly and violently striking Him on the head with the reed, inflicting pain and further humiliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spit upon him":** This clause describes an act of profound social and personal degradation. The soldiers' spitting was not accidental but a deliberate, contemptuous gesture aimed at dishonoring Jesus publicly. It signified their utter disdain and revulsion, treating Him as the lowest of the low, unworthy of respect or even basic human dignity. This action was a direct assault on His person and reputation, designed to inflict shame and psychological torment.
* **"and took the reed":** This phrase highlights the deliberate re-purposing of an object. The "reed" had previously been placed in Jesus' hand as a mock scepter, a symbol of His supposed kingship. By taking it back, the soldiers were not merely removing a prop; they were seizing an object that had been part of their mockery, preparing to turn it into a weapon. This act adds a layer of calculated cruelty, transforming a symbol of their parody into an instrument of physical abuse.
* **"and smote him on the head":** This final clause details the physical violence. Using the reed, which was likely stiff and hard, the soldiers repeatedly struck Jesus on the head. This was not a light tap but a forceful, painful assault. The head, being a vulnerable and prominent part of the body, was a target for maximum pain and humiliation. This action completed the cycle of physical and symbolic abuse, demonstrating the full extent of the soldiers' brutality and Jesus' suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Jesus' suffering and the nature of the soldiers' actions. **Irony** is central to the scene, as the very object given to Jesus as a mock scepter—the reed—is then used as a weapon to strike Him. This transformation of a symbol of false kingship into an instrument of violence intensifies the cruelty and underscores the soldiers' complete disdain for any notion of Jesus' authority. **Symbolism** is also evident in the acts themselves: spitting symbolizes extreme contempt and revulsion, while striking the head, the seat of reason and honor, represents a total assault on His dignity and person. The repeated nature of the actions, indicated by the imperfect tense verbs, creates a sense of **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy and sorrow for Jesus' prolonged and intense suffering. Furthermore, the scene serves as powerful **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate physical and emotional torment Jesus would endure on the cross, connecting this preliminary abuse to His final sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:30 is not merely a historical account of suffering but a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's redemptive work. It underscores the depths to which the Son of God condescended, willingly embracing utter humiliation and physical abuse to identify with fallen humanity and bear the full weight of sin's consequences. This scene reveals the inherent ugliness of sin and human depravity, as represented by the soldiers' cruelty, yet simultaneously highlights the divine love and sovereign purpose that allowed such suffering for the sake of salvation. Jesus' passive endurance in the face of such indignity exemplifies His perfect obedience to the Father's will, demonstrating that His suffering was not a failure but a determined act of self-sacrifice for the redemption of the world.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant Endures Shame and Spitting")
* [Psalm 22:7](/psalm/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - A Psalm of Scorn and Mockery")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:30 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the immense cost of our salvation and the boundless love of God demonstrated through Christ's suffering. For believers, reflecting on this verse should cultivate a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice made on our behalf, moving us beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt gratitude that transforms our lives. Jesus' willingness to endure such indignity without retaliation provides a profound model for how we, as His followers, are called to respond when faced with injustice, mockery, or persecution. It challenges us to cultivate humility, patience, and forgiveness, even when wronged, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. This passage also invites us to consider the depths of human sin that necessitated such a sacrifice, prompting us to live lives that honor Christ's suffering by pursuing holiness and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' silent endurance of humiliation and abuse in Matthew 27:30 challenge your understanding of strength and power?**
* **In what ways does this scene deepen your appreciation for the extent of Christ's sacrifice for your redemption?**
* **How might Jesus' example of non-retaliation inform your response to personal insults or unfair treatment in your own life?**
* **What does this verse reveal about the nature of human sin and the necessity of divine intervention for salvation?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Roman soldiers engage in such cruel mockery and abuse?**

Answer: The Roman soldiers' actions were driven by a combination of factors. Primarily, they were carrying out the orders of their superiors, which included the public humiliation of condemned criminals, especially those accused of sedition or challenging Roman authority. Jesus, having been presented as "King of the Jews" in a mock trial, was subjected to a cruel parody of a royal coronation. This mockery was also a common practice to break the spirit of the condemned and to entertain the soldiers, who often viewed their prisoners with disdain. Their actions were a display of power, contempt, and a dehumanizing ritual designed to underscore their absolute authority over the one being crucified.

**What is the significance of the reed being used to strike Jesus?**

Answer: The reed's significance lies in its dual role. Initially, it was given to Jesus as a mock scepter ([Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - The Crown of Thorns and Reed")), symbolizing His false kingship and serving as a cruel prop in their charade. By then taking the same reed and using it to strike Him on the head, the soldiers intensified the mockery and the physical abuse. This act transformed a symbol of their parody into an instrument of real violence, underscoring their utter contempt for Jesus and His claims. It highlighted the irony and brutality of the situation, turning an object of insult into a weapon of pain and further humiliation.

**Does this event fulfill any Old Testament prophecies?**

Answer: Yes, the events described in Matthew 27:30, particularly the spitting and physical abuse, are understood by scholars as direct fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah. The most prominent example is [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant Endures Shame and Spitting"), where the Suffering Servant declares, "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting." Additionally, [Psalm 22:7](/psalm/22-7 "Psalm 22:7 - A Psalm of Scorn and Mockery") speaks of being scorned and mocked, which aligns with the soldiers' actions. These prophecies demonstrate that Jesus' suffering was not accidental or arbitrary, but part of God's predetermined plan for salvation, meticulously foretold centuries earlier.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:30, depicting Jesus' profound humiliation and physical abuse, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality that the Son of God willingly subjected Himself to such ignominy as part of His redemptive mission. This suffering was not merely an unfortunate incident but a necessary component of His identification with humanity's sin and His substitutionary atonement. The spitting and striking, acts of utter contempt, foreshadow the complete rejection and condemnation Jesus bore on the cross, where He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In His passive endurance, Jesus perfectly embodied the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, who was "oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). This scene highlights the depth of Christ's humility, as He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Incarnation")), ultimately humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. His suffering in Matthew 27:30, therefore, is a vital part of the saving work by which He purchased our freedom, demonstrating the immeasurable love of God who "so loved the world, that he gave his only Son" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Through His willingness to endure such shame and pain, Jesus secured our eternal dignity and reconciliation with God, transforming the instruments of His suffering into symbols of our salvation.

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

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Matthew 26:67

Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Mark 15:19

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Isaiah 52:14

As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

Micah 5:1

¶ Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.