New Testament
Matthew 27:48
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Immediately one of them ran and grabbed a sponge, soaked it in sour wine, stuck it on a reed, and held it up for him to drink.
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And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
What Matthew 27:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment during the crucifixion of Jesus where one of the bystanders takes quick action to offer him a drink. The sponge is soaked in sour wine, a common drink for soldiers at the time, and is placed on a reed to reach Jesus, who is hanging on the cross. This act reflects the harshness of his suffering, as sour wine was not a refreshing drink but rather a bitter one. The use of a reed to lift the sponge also symbolizes the distance between Jesus and those who are witnessing his agony. This moment highlights the cruelty of the crucifixion and the indifference of the crowd, yet it also shows a small act of compassion amidst the brutality. The sour wine can be seen as a metaphor for the bitterness of sin and suffering that Jesus bore for humanity. Overall, this verse captures the desperation and pain of the crucifixion, while also illustrating the human response to suffering, even if it is inadequate.
How to apply Matthew 27:48 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of compassion, even in difficult situations. While the act of offering sour wine was not enough to alleviate Jesus' suffering, it shows that small gestures of kindness can still matter. We should strive to offer support and care to those who are hurting around us.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (Matthew 27:45–56)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:48 mean?
Matthew 27:48 describes a moment during Jesus' crucifixion when a bystander offers him a drink using a sponge soaked in sour wine. This act highlights both the suffering Jesus endured and the indifference of the crowd, as the drink was bitter and not meant to provide relief.
What is the significance of the sour wine in Matthew 27:48?
The sour wine in Matthew 27:48 symbolizes the bitterness of Jesus' suffering and the harsh reality of his crucifixion. It reflects the common drink of soldiers at the time, emphasizing the cruelty of the situation and the lack of compassion from those witnessing the event.
What does the sponge represent in Matthew 27:48?
In Matthew 27:48, the sponge represents a small act of compassion amidst great suffering. While it was insufficient to alleviate Jesus' pain, it illustrates a human response to suffering, even if it is inadequate.
What can we learn from Matthew 27:48?
Matthew 27:48 teaches us the importance of showing compassion, even in difficult circumstances. It reminds us that while our efforts may seem small, acts of kindness can still have significance for those who are suffering.
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