New Testament
John 19:29
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A jar full of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the sour wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and held it up to his mouth.
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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.
What John 19:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment during the crucifixion of Jesus where a jar of sour wine, or vinegar, is present. The soldiers use a sponge soaked in this sour wine and place it on a stalk of hyssop to offer it to Jesus. This act is significant as it fulfills a prophecy and highlights the suffering Jesus endured. The sour wine symbolizes the bitterness of his experience, and the hyssop, a plant used in ancient rituals, connects to themes of purification. This moment reflects the deep pain and humiliation Jesus faced as he approached his final moments on the cross, showcasing both his humanity and the fulfillment of scripture. The act of offering him this drink also illustrates the indifference of those around him, as they provide him with something bitter instead of comfort. This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, emphasizing the depth of his suffering and the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption.
How to apply John 19:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the sacrifices made for us and the depth of suffering that can accompany love. In our own lives, we can strive to offer comfort and support to those who are hurting, rather than indifference. It reminds us to be compassionate and attentive to the needs of others.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (John 19:28–37)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 19:29 mean?
John 19:29 describes a moment during Jesus' crucifixion when soldiers offered him sour wine on a sponge. This act highlights Jesus' suffering and fulfills Old Testament prophecy, symbolizing both his humanity and the bitterness of his experience.
What is the significance of sour wine in John 19:29?
The sour wine, or vinegar, offered to Jesus symbolizes the bitterness of his suffering on the cross. It reflects the indifference of those around him, providing something harsh instead of comfort during his final moments.
What does hyssop represent in John 19:29?
Hyssop is a plant used in ancient rituals, often associated with purification. In John 19:29, it connects to themes of cleansing and serves as a reminder of the suffering Jesus endured.
How does John 19:29 relate to Jesus' sacrifice?
This verse illustrates the depth of Jesus' suffering as he approaches death. The act of offering him sour wine highlights the pain and humiliation he faced, reinforcing the significance of his sacrifice for humanity.
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