Bible Strands
Mark 15:31
In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chief priests and scribes mock Jesus while He hangs on the cross, speaking to one another rather than directly to Him. This exchange occurs during the crucifixion, immediately following the demand that He descend to save Himself.
The words — ἐμπαίζοντες (empaizontes) means mocking, capturing their scornful posture. ὁμοίως (homoiōs) translates as likewise, connecting their taunts to the preceding demands for His descent.
The thread — The text’s focus on a king who refuses to descend from the cross runs parallel to Psalms 22:16 and Psalms 2:1. This pattern of observed deliverance also aligns with the declaration in John 12:23.
Why it lands — The passage records a direct challenge to Jesus’ identity, stating plainly that He saved others but would not save Himself. It asks the reader to decide whether this refusal to descend proves His powerlessness or confirms His obedience to a different purpose.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Cross-references
- John 12:23 But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
- Psalms 2:1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
- Psalms 22:16 For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
- Matthew 27:41 In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying,
- Luke 23:35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
- John 11:47 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs.
- 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.