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
CBTClear Bible Translation

People passing by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads

KJVKing James Version

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.

Key themes

Related topics

mockery, rejection, suffering

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
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.