Matthew 27:44

The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

{G1161} The thieves {G3027} also {G2532}, which {G3588} were crucified {G4957} with him {G846}, cast {G3679} the same {G846} in his {G846} teeth {G3679}.

Even the robbers nailed up with him insulted him in the same way.

In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.

And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 27:44 is set during the agonizing hours of Jesus' crucifixion on Golgotha, a scene of profound suffering and public humiliation. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has already endured immense mockery from the Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:27-31), the passersby who wagged their heads, and even the religious leaders (chief priests, scribes, and elders), who challenged Him to save Himself if He was truly the Son of God (Matthew 27:41-43). This verse indicates that even the criminals, who were sharing the same horrific fate, joined in the widespread scorn.

Key Themes

  • Profound Humiliation of Jesus: This verse underscores the unparalleled depth of Jesus' suffering and humiliation. Even those sharing His condemned state joined in the chorus of scorn, highlighting the complete rejection He faced from humanity. This universal contempt fulfills prophetic words about the Messiah being "despised and rejected of men" (Isaiah 53:3).
  • Universal Rejection: The fact that "the thieves also" mocked Him emphasizes that the scorn against Jesus was pervasive, coming from all segments of society present at the crucifixion – soldiers, religious leaders, ordinary people, and even fellow sufferers.
  • Contrast with Luke's Account: While Matthew's account here implies both thieves mocked Jesus, it sets up a powerful contrast with the Gospel of Luke, where one of the thieves ultimately repents and asks Jesus for remembrance in His kingdom, receiving the promise of paradise (Luke 23:39-43). Matthew's focus in this verse is on the initial hardened state of both criminals.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast the same in his teeth" is an ancient idiom. It means to reproach, revile, or insult someone harshly, throwing their perceived failures or weaknesses back at them with bitter scorn. It conveys a deep level of contempt and malicious ridicule, implying that the insults were direct, cutting, and intended to inflict maximum emotional pain, just like the physical pain of the cross.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:44 serves as a stark reminder of the extent of human depravity and the profound rejection Jesus endured for humanity's salvation. It challenges us to consider our own hearts: do we, like the unrepentant thieves, mock or reject Christ, or do we, like the one who repented in Luke's account, turn to Him in faith, even in our darkest hour? The verse also highlights Jesus' unwavering endurance in the face of absolute scorn, demonstrating His perfect obedience and love, even unto death on the cross, for the redemption of all who believe. It prompts reflection on how we respond to suffering and how we treat those who are suffering, especially when they are vulnerable.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 15:32

    Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

  • Luke 23:39

    And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

  • Luke 23:43

    And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

  • Matthew 27:38

    Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

  • Job 30:7

    Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.

  • Job 30:9

    And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.

  • Psalms 35:15

    But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear [me], and ceased not:
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