Matthew 27:50

KJV

¶ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} Jesus {G2424}, when he had cried {G2896} again {G3825} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, yielded up {G863} the ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua, again crying out in a loud voice, yielded up his spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.

American Standard Version

And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:50 describes the climactic moment of Jesus' crucifixion, where, after crying out again with a loud voice, He voluntarily surrendered His life. This concise yet profoundly significant verse underscores Jesus' divine control and active agency even in His death, marking the completion of His redemptive work on the cross and the pivotal transition from His earthly ministry to the triumph of resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the most intense period of Jesus' suffering on the cross. The preceding narrative in Matthew's Gospel details His arrest, trials, scourging, and the agony of crucifixion. Specifically, [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - The Darkness Over the Land") recounts the mysterious three hours of darkness that covered the land, signaling a cosmic event accompanying His suffering. This darkness is followed by Jesus' cry of dereliction, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). The verse at hand, [Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus Yields Up His Spirit"), is the immediate culmination of this intense suffering, portraying His death not as a passive surrender to overwhelming force, but as an active, willed act, setting the stage for the miraculous events that immediately follow, such as the tearing of the temple veil and the earthquake in [Matthew 27:51-54](/matthew/27-51-54 "Matthew 27:51-54 - The Temple Veil Torn and Earthquake").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution employed by the Romans, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public shame. Victims typically died slowly from asphyxiation, exhaustion, or shock. It was a death reserved for the lowest criminals and rebels, intended to deter any challenge to Roman authority. The fact that Jesus, a Jewish man accused of sedition, was subjected to this Roman punishment highlights the political and religious tensions of the time. Culturally, the Jewish people awaited a Messiah who would deliver them, often envisioning a conquering king. Jesus' death on a cross, therefore, was a profound scandal to many, challenging their preconceived notions of messianic triumph. However, from a theological perspective, it was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning a suffering servant, as seen in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus Yields Up His Spirit") is central to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes Jesus' **Sovereignty and Voluntary Sacrifice**. Unlike typical crucifixion victims who would be too weak to cry out, Jesus' "loud voice" immediately before death indicates His control, not a forced demise. This aligns with His earlier declaration in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Power to Lay Down His Life"), "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." Secondly, it signifies the **Completion of His Redemptive Mission**. His death is the necessary act for the atonement of sins, fulfilling the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and inaugurating the New Covenant. His final breath, though not explicitly recorded in Matthew, is understood in light of other Gospels to include the declaration "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'")" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'")), confirming the successful accomplishment of His work. Finally, this moment is a profound demonstration of **Divine Love and Obedience**, as Jesus perfectly submits to the Father's will, even unto death, for the salvation of humanity, echoing the theme of obedience found throughout His life, from His baptism in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Obedience to Fulfill All Righteousness") to His prayer in Gethsemane in [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, meaning "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." This word suggests a powerful, intentional utterance, not a weak gasp. In the context of Jesus' death, it emphasizes His strength and control, contrasting sharply with the typical debilitation of a crucified victim. It indicates a final, decisive declaration rather than a fading breath.
* **yielded up (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications... to send away, to dismiss, to release, or to permit to depart." This verb is crucial. It does not imply that Jesus was overcome by death, but rather that He actively dismissed His spirit. This highlights His sovereignty over His own life and death, reinforcing the voluntary nature of His sacrifice. He was not a victim of circumstances but the agent of His own departure.
* **ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle." In this context, "the ghost" refers to Jesus' vital life principle, His spirit. The phrase "yielded up the ghost" means He released His spirit, actively giving up His life. This is a deliberate, conscious act of handing over His life force, rather than having it forcibly taken from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice,"**: This clause emphasizes Jesus' continued strength and intentionality even in His final moments. The "loud voice" is remarkable for someone undergoing the agony of crucifixion, where victims typically weaken to a whisper. The word "again" (G3825, _pálin_) suggests a repetition of a previous cry, likely referring to His cry of dereliction in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). This final loud cry, though not specified in Matthew, is understood from other Gospels to be a declaration of triumph or commendation of His spirit (e.g., "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'")" in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'") or "[Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit")" in [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit")). It signifies that His death was not an involuntary collapse but a deliberate act.
* **"yielded up the ghost."**: This phrase, translating the Greek _aphēken to pneuma_, is central to the theological understanding of Jesus' death. "Yielded up" (G863, _aphíēmi_) conveys an active, volitional release, not a passive surrender. Jesus was not overcome by death; He actively dismissed His spirit. This highlights His divine authority and control over His own life and death, a stark contrast to ordinary human mortality. It underscores the truth that His death was a purposeful, sacrificial act, freely given for the redemption of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary techniques to underscore the profound significance of [Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus Yields Up His Spirit"). The most prominent is **Emphasis**, particularly on Jesus' "loud voice." This detail is crucial because it defies the typical physical debilitation of crucifixion, highlighting Jesus' supernatural strength and control even in death. It serves to emphasize the deliberate and voluntary nature of His sacrifice, rather than a forced demise. This also contributes to the **Dramatic Irony** of the scene: while the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders believe they have triumphed over Jesus, His final, powerful utterance and active "yielding up" of His spirit reveal His ultimate sovereignty, turning their victory into His. Furthermore, the phrase "yielded up the ghost" utilizes **Volitional Language**, portraying Jesus not as a passive victim but as an active agent in His own death. This active verb choice is critical for understanding the theological implications of His sacrifice. Finally, the "ghost" or "spirit" can be seen as **Symbolism** for life itself, and its voluntary release symbolizes the ultimate gift of life given for the atonement of sins, pointing towards the new life offered through His death and resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:50 stands as the theological cornerstone of Christian faith, marking the definitive moment of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It reveals the depth of God's love and the completion of Jesus' mission to redeem humanity from sin and death. The voluntary nature of Jesus' death, underscored by His "loud voice" and active "yielding up" of His spirit, confirms His divine sovereignty over life and death, distinguishing His sacrifice from any other. This act of perfect obedience and self-giving love became the means by which humanity could be reconciled to a holy God, fulfilling the demands of justice and opening the way for grace. His death was not a defeat, but a triumphant act that disarmed the powers of sin and death, paving the way for His glorious resurrection and the establishment of the New Covenant.

* [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Power to Lay Down and Take Up His Life")
* [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'")
* [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit to the Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Matthew 27:50 invites us to a deeper contemplation of Jesus' unparalleled sacrifice and its transformative power in our lives. His voluntary surrender of life, even amidst excruciating pain, reveals a love that is utterly self-giving and unwavering in its commitment to our redemption. This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of the cross, recognizing it not merely as a historical event, but as the active, sovereign act of God's Son to secure our salvation. It calls us to respond with profound gratitude, humility, and a renewed commitment to live lives that honor such a costly love. We are reminded that our salvation is not earned but freely given through His finished work, empowering us to live in freedom from the bondage of sin and fear of death. This understanding should inspire courageous faith, unwavering hope, and a passionate desire to share the good news of His redemptive work with others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' active "yielding up" of His spirit, rather than merely dying, deepen your understanding of His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does the "loud voice" of Jesus before His death challenge your perceptions of weakness or defeat?**
* **How does the voluntary nature of Jesus' death in Matthew 27:50 impact your assurance of salvation and God's love for you?**
* **What practical implications does Jesus' completed work on the cross have for your daily life and struggles?**

### FAQ
**What does "yielded up the ghost" mean in modern English?**

Answer: In modern English, "yielded up the ghost" means that Jesus voluntarily gave up His spirit or breath, signifying that He actively dismissed His life. It emphasizes that His death was not a passive event where He was overcome by His suffering, but rather a deliberate, conscious act of surrendering His life. This phrase highlights His divine control and authority over His own death, rather than being a victim of it. It is often translated in modern versions as "gave up His spirit" or "breathed His last."

**Why is it significant that Jesus cried "with a loud voice" just before dying?**

Answer: The detail that Jesus cried "with a loud voice" (G3173, _mégas_ and G5456, _phōnḗ_) is highly significant because it defies the typical pattern of death by crucifixion. Victims of crucifixion usually weakened over hours or days, eventually dying from asphyxiation or exhaustion, often unable to speak above a whisper in their final moments. Jesus' ability to utter a loud cry indicates that He retained full control and strength, demonstrating that His death was not due to physical failure but was a deliberate act of His will. This loud cry, whether "It is finished" as in [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Declares 'It Is Finished'") or "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" as in [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit to the Father"), underscores His sovereignty and the completion of His mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:50, depicting Jesus' voluntary surrender of His life, is the pinnacle of His Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the foundational act for the New Covenant. His death was not a tragic end but the predetermined, sovereign act of the Son of God, fulfilling the role of the suffering servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). By actively "yielding up the ghost," Jesus demonstrated His unique power over life and death, proving that He was not merely a martyr but the divine Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This voluntary sacrifice established the new covenant in His blood, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete (as discussed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice")). His death on the cross, far from being a defeat, was a triumphant victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, an act of cosmic reconciliation that made peace between God and humanity (see [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). It is through this ultimate act of love and obedience that believers are justified and given the promise of eternal life, looking forward to His resurrection, which confirms His triumph and our hope, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers"). Thus, Matthew 27:50 is not just a historical account of a death, but the very heart of the Gospel, revealing the Christ who perfectly accomplished His redemptive mission.

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

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 23:46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Isaiah 53:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Mark 15:37

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Psalms 22:15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.