Matthew 27:39

Matthew 27:39 (KJV) describes a poignant moment during Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating the intense scorn and public humiliation He endured. As He hung on the cross, not only were the Roman soldiers and religious leaders present, but also ordinary passersby joined in the mockery, adding to the depth of His suffering.

Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, which begins in Matthew 27:32 with Him being led to Golgotha, the place of the skull. After being crucified between two thieves (Matthew 27:38), this verse highlights the public's reaction. The scene is one of profound suffering, where Jesus is not only physically tormented but also verbally abused and derided by those who witness His agony. The following verses, Matthew 27:40-44, continue to detail the specific insults hurled at Him by various groups, including the chief priests, scribes, elders, and even the thieves crucified with Him.

Key Themes

• Mockery and Derision: The central theme here is the widespread contempt directed at Jesus. The phrase "reviled him" speaks to a torrent of verbal abuse and blasphemy, while "wagging their heads" is a classic gesture of scorn and utter disdain, signifying a complete lack of respect or sympathy.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: This act of public mockery, specifically the "wagging of heads," holds profound prophetic significance. It directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering, particularly Psalm 22:7 ("All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying...") and Psalm 109:25 ("I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads."). This underscores the divine orchestration of events, even in moments of extreme human wickedness.
• The Depth of Christ's Humiliation: The verse vividly portrays the immense humiliation Jesus endured. He, the Son of God, was not only subjected to the cruelest form of execution but also stripped of all dignity, becoming an object of public ridicule. This highlights the incredible extent of His sacrifice for humanity, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:3, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "reviled" is blasphemeo (βλασφημέω), which means "to speak evil of," "to slander," or "to blaspheme." It conveys the idea of speaking abusively or impiously against someone, particularly against God. The gesture of "wagging their heads" is a common biblical idiom for expressing scorn, contempt, or triumph over an enemy, found in various Old Testament contexts (e.g., Job 16:4, Jeremiah 18:16). Its appearance here emphasizes the derision Jesus faced.

Significance and Application

Matthew 27:39 serves as a stark reminder of the cost of our salvation and the profound rejection Jesus experienced at the hands of humanity. For believers, this verse encourages a deeper appreciation for Christ's suffering and His willingness to endure ultimate shame for our sake. It also offers comfort and strength to those who may face ridicule or opposition for their faith, reminding us that our Lord Himself endured the worst of human scorn (John 15:18). This scene reveals the sinfulness of humanity and the unwavering love of God, who allowed His Son to suffer such indignity to reconcile us to Himself.