New Testament
Matthew 27:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a vivid picture of the crowd's reaction to Jesus as he hangs on the cross.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
People passing by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a vivid picture of the crowd's reaction to Jesus as he hangs on the cross. People passing by mock him, showing their disdain and disbelief. Shaking their heads is a gesture of contempt, indicating that they do not recognize his authority or the significance of his sacrifice. This moment highlights the deep rejection Jesus faced from those he came to save. The insults reflect the misunderstanding of his mission and the fulfillment of prophecy. Despite his suffering, Jesus remains silent, embodying humility and obedience to God's plan. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the scorn that often accompanies true righteousness and the importance of standing firm in faith, even when faced with ridicule. Explore related mockery.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 27:39 to your life
When we face criticism or mockery for our beliefs, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus experienced the same. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to respond with grace, just as he did, rather than retaliating against those who misunderstand us.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:39 mean?
Matthew 27:39 describes how people passing by mocked Jesus while he was on the cross. Their actions, such as shaking their heads, show their contempt and disbelief in his authority and mission.
What is the significance of shaking heads in Matthew 27:39?
Shaking heads in Matthew 27:39 is a gesture of scorn and rejection. It illustrates the crowd's disdain for Jesus and their failure to recognize the importance of his sacrifice.
How does Matthew 27:39 relate to suffering?
Matthew 27:39 relates to suffering by showing how Jesus endured ridicule and scorn while fulfilling his mission. It serves as a reminder of the pain that often accompanies true righteousness.
What themes are present in Matthew 27:39?
The themes present in Matthew 27:39 include mockery, rejection, suffering, humility, faith, and sacrifice. These themes reflect the challenges faced by Jesus and the importance of steadfastness in faith.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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