Matthew 27:34

KJV

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.

KJV (with Strong's)

They gave {G1325} him {G846} vinegar {G3690} to drink {G4095} mingled {G3396} with {G3326} gall {G5521}: and {G2532} when he had tasted {G1089} thereof, he would {G2309} not {G3756} drink {G4095}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they gave him wine mixed with bitter gall to drink; but after tasting it, he would not drink it.

Berean Standard Bible

they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.

American Standard Version

they gave him wine to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted it, he would not drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:34 describes a critical moment in Jesus' crucifixion narrative where, just before being nailed to the cross, He is offered a pain-dulling drink of vinegar mingled with gall. His deliberate refusal to consume it underscores His conscious decision to fully endure the physical and spiritual agony of the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and highlighting the intentional nature of His atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the precipice of Jesus' crucifixion, immediately following His condemnation by Pilate and the mocking by the soldiers. The preceding verses detail His scourging, the crown of thorns, and the purple robe, all designed to humiliate and inflict pain. Matthew 27:34 serves as a poignant transition, marking the final act before the actual nailing to the cross. It sets the stage for the profound suffering that is about to unfold, emphasizing Jesus' active role in confronting His destiny rather than passively submitting to it. The narrative flow highlights the escalating brutality and Jesus' unwavering resolve, preparing the reader for the ultimate sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment designed to maximize suffering and public humiliation. It was customary to offer condemned individuals a pain-dulling substance, often a mixture of wine or vinegar with bitter herbs or narcotics like myrrh, to alleviate some of the agony or hasten death. This practice, while seemingly merciful, also served to make the execution less disruptive for the Roman authorities. Golgotha, or "the Place of a Skull," was a common execution site outside Jerusalem's city walls, visible to passersby, further amplifying the public spectacle of Jesus' death. The offering in this verse reflects a common, though grim, aspect of Roman judicial procedure, which Jesus deliberately subverted.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, directly echoing the suffering described in [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar"). Furthermore, Jesus' refusal to drink emphasizes His **Conscious and Deliberate Suffering**, highlighting that His atonement was not a coerced act but a willing sacrifice, a theme consistent with His teachings about laying down His life (e.g., [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). This moment also underscores the **Nature of His Sacrifice** as complete and unmitigated, bearing the full weight of sin without any numbing agent, thereby securing a perfect redemption for all who believe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vinegar (Greek, _óxos'_):** This term refers to sour wine, a common and cheap drink for soldiers and laborers in the ancient world. While it could be offered as a simple refreshment, in the context of crucifixion, it was often mixed with other substances to dull pain. Its sourness and bitterness foreshadow the profound suffering Jesus was about to endure.
* **gall (Greek, _cholḗ'_):** This word denotes a bitter substance, often bile, or bitter herbs. In this context, it signifies a bitter, narcotic-like concoction. Matthew's use of "gall" (as opposed to Mark's "myrrh") emphasizes the extreme bitterness and potential pain-dulling or intoxicating effect of the mixture, which Jesus deliberately rejected. It directly links to Old Testament prophecies of suffering, particularly [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar").
* **would not drink (Greek, _thélō ou pínō'_):** The verb _thélō_ (would) signifies a strong, active determination or will, indicating Jesus' deliberate choice. Coupled with _ou_ (not) and _pínō_ (drink), it powerfully conveys His conscious refusal. This was not an accidental rejection but a resolute decision to face the full agony of the cross without any numbing agent, signifying His unwavering commitment to complete the Father's will and accomplish a perfect atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall:"** This clause describes the offering made to Jesus by the Roman soldiers or perhaps compassionate bystanders. The mixture of "vinegar" (sour wine) and "gall" (a bitter, possibly narcotic substance) was intended either as a crude form of mercy to dull the pain of crucifixion or as a means to hasten death. The act itself fulfills the prophetic word of [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar"), highlighting the divine orchestration of these events and the specific nature of the Messiah's suffering.
* **"and when he had tasted [thereof],"** Jesus does not refuse the offering outright. He "tasted" it, indicating that He recognized its nature—likely its bitter taste and its intended effect as a pain-killer. This brief moment of tasting demonstrates His full awareness of what was being offered and the choice before Him. It was not a rejection born of ignorance or revulsion, but of deliberate discernment and resolve to embrace the full cup of suffering.
* **"he would not drink."** This is the pivotal action of the verse. Jesus' conscious and resolute refusal to drink the mixture signifies His unwavering determination to endure the full, unmitigated agony of the cross. He chose to face the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain completely aware, without any numbing agent, emphasizing the depth and intentionality of His atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His refusal underscores His absolute obedience to the Father's will and His commitment to a complete and perfect redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:34 powerfully employs several literary devices. **Fulfillment of Prophecy** is paramount, as the offering of "vinegar mingled with gall" directly echoes the suffering described in [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar"), demonstrating God's sovereignty over history and the divine nature of Jesus' mission. **Symbolism** is also evident: the bitter "gall" and sour "vinegar" symbolize the profound suffering Jesus was enduring, representing the bitterness of sin and the world's rejection. His deliberate refusal, however, introduces **Contrast**, highlighting the difference between the world's attempt to alleviate suffering and Jesus' resolute choice to embrace it fully for redemptive purposes. This moment also carries a degree of **Irony**, as those who sought to inflict the most pain on Him inadvertently offered a substance that, in its very bitterness, pointed to the depth of the suffering He was willingly taking on for the world's salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:34 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's atoning work. His deliberate refusal to drink the pain-dulling mixture underscores the intentionality and completeness of His sacrifice. He chose to experience the full weight of human sin and divine wrath without mitigation, ensuring that His atonement was perfect and sufficient. This act highlights His absolute obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross, demonstrating the depth of divine love and the unyielding commitment of the Son to accomplish redemption. It reveals that the cross was not an accident but the culmination of God's redemptive plan, meticulously foretold and willingly embraced by Christ, establishing the foundation for our reconciliation with God.

* [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Prophecy of Gall and Vinegar") - This Old Testament prophecy directly foretells the offering of gall and vinegar to the suffering Messiah, emphasizing the divine orchestration of Jesus' passion.
* [Mark 15:23](/mark/15-23 "Mark 15:23 - Wine Mingled with Myrrh") - Mark's parallel account mentions "wine mingled with myrrh," which was a known analgesic, confirming the intent to dull pain and highlighting the consistency of the Gospel narratives.
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith") - This verse speaks of Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame," which beautifully encapsulates His deliberate choice to suffer.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:34 calls believers to a deeper appreciation of the intentionality and completeness of Christ's sacrifice. His refusal to numb the pain serves as a powerful testament to His unwavering love and commitment to bear the full curse of sin on our behalf. In a world that often seeks to escape suffering through various means, Jesus' example challenges us to confront our own trials with courage and faith, not seeking artificial escapes but trusting in God's sovereign purpose through them. This verse invites us to reflect on the immense cost of our salvation and to live lives of grateful obedience, recognizing that our redemption was secured by a Savior who willingly embraced the bitter cup of suffering so that we might drink from the wellspring of eternal life. It reminds us that true strength is found not in avoiding pain, but in enduring it with divine purpose, knowing that Christ has gone before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' deliberate refusal to drink the pain-dulling mixture deepen your understanding of His sacrifice and the nature of His love for humanity?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "numb" or avoid difficult experiences, and how might Christ's example challenge you to face them with greater resolve and trust in God's redemptive plan?**
* **Considering the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse, how does it strengthen your faith in God's sovereign plan, assuring you that even amidst suffering and apparent chaos, His purposes will prevail?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus refuse the drink offered to Him in Matthew 27:34, especially when He later accepted a drink on the cross?**

Answer: Jesus refused the drink of "vinegar mingled with gall" in [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Refuses the Pain-Dulling Drink") because it was likely a pain-dulling or narcotic substance, intended to alleviate the agony of crucifixion. His refusal was a deliberate act, signifying His commitment to endure the full, unmitigated suffering of the cross, both physical and spiritual, as a complete atonement for sin. He chose to face the full wrath of God against sin without any numbing agent. Later, in [John 19:28-30](/john/19-28-30 "John 19:28-30 - Jesus Cries 'I Thirst' and Drinks"), Jesus says, "I thirst," and accepts a drink of plain sour wine (vinegar). This later acceptance was not a pain-killer but a simple refreshment for His parched throat, fulfilling another prophecy (likely [Psalm 22:15](/psalms/22-15 "Psalm 22:15 - My Strength is Dried Up Like a Potsherd") or [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - They Gave Me Vinegar for My Thirst")), and occurred when His atoning work was nearing completion. The distinction lies in the *purpose* of the drink: one to dull pain (refused), the other to quench thirst (accepted), demonstrating Jesus' unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:34 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of salvation by showcasing Jesus' deliberate and unmitigated suffering as the ultimate sacrifice. His refusal to drink the pain-dulling mixture underscores His conscious choice to bear the full weight of sin and the curse of the Law, perfectly fulfilling the role of the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions"). This act was not a passive endurance but an active, obedient submission to the Father's will, demonstrating the depth of His love for humanity. By fully experiencing the bitterness of sin and death, Jesus became the spotless Lamb of God, whose blood, shed without reservation, established the New Covenant, as foreshadowed in passages like [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"). His uncompromised suffering on the cross is the very foundation of our redemption, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God, a truth powerfully articulated by Paul in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin for Us"). Thus, Matthew 27:34 is not merely a historical detail but a vivid portrait of the Savior who willingly embraced the bitter cup for our eternal gain, ensuring that no aspect of our sin went unpunished in Him.

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.

Matthew 27:48

And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled [it] with vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink.

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.