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.
And {G2532} straightway {G2112} one {G1520} of {G1537} them {G846} ran {G5143}, and {G2532} took {G2983} a spunge {G4699}, and {G5037} filled {G4130} it with vinegar {G3690}, and {G2532} put it on {G4060} a reed {G2563}, and gave {G4222} him {G846} to drink {G4222}.
Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, soaked it in vinegar, put it on a stick and gave it to him to drink.
One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink.
And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
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Psalms 69:21
They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. -
Matthew 27:34
They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink. -
John 19:29
Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put [it] upon hyssop, and put [it] to his mouth. -
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. -
Luke 23:36
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Matthew 27:48 describes a poignant moment during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After His anguished cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (as recorded in Matthew 27:46), a bystander offers Him a drink.
Context
This verse is set at Golgotha, the place of the skull, during the final hours of Jesus' life on the cross. The atmosphere is charged with mockery from religious leaders and Roman soldiers, alongside the immense suffering of Christ. His previous cry had been misinterpreted by some onlookers, who thought He was calling for Elijah. The act described here is a response to His suffering, either out of genuine pity or a continuation of the taunting, depending on interpretation.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The "vinegar" mentioned in the KJV text is from the Greek word oxos (ὄξος). This was not necessarily table vinegar but a common, sour wine, often diluted with water. It was a cheap drink frequently consumed by Roman soldiers and laborers, providing some refreshment. While it could have been offered in derision, it also served as a practical, albeit harsh, drink for someone suffering from extreme thirst.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
The offering of sour wine to Jesus on the cross is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Specifically, Psalm 69:21 states, "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." This detail emphasizes that every aspect of Jesus' passion, even seemingly small actions, was part of God's sovereign plan of redemption.
Practical Application
Matthew 27:48 serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of suffering Jesus willingly endured for humanity's salvation. It calls believers to reflect on the immense cost of sin and the boundless love of God demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. It also encourages us to consider our own responses to those who suffer around us, whether we offer relief or contribute to their pain, and to recognize the divine purpose at work even in the most painful and seemingly insignificant moments.