Bible Strands
Matthew 27:30
Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative describes Roman soldiers mocking Jesus after placing a crown of thorns and a reed staff in His hands, immediately before removing His robe and leading Him out for crucifixion.
The words — ἐμπτύσαντες (emptusantes) means "having spit," denoting the deliberate act of spitting upon Him. κἄλαμον (kalamon) translates literally to "reed," the staff they took to strike Him on the head repeatedly.
The thread — The text records the physical acts of spitting and striking, which directly correspond to the actions described in Isaiah 50:6 and Matthew 26:67, while aligning with the silent suffering pattern noted in Isaiah 53:7.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to observe how the crucifixion narrative is built through specific, documented actions rather than abstract theology, demanding attention to the historical sequence of mockery and preparation for execution.
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
And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 50:6 I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
- Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him
- Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
- Mark 15:19 They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him.
- Job 30:8 A senseless and nameless brood, they were driven off the land.
- Isaiah 49:7 Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”
- Isaiah 52:14 Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness—
- Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
- Micah 5:1 Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.
- Luke 18:32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.