Matthew 27:39

39 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

Matthew 27:39 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:39

And they that passed by
In the road to or from Jerusalem; for, it seems, the crosses were placed by the wayside; or they who passed by the cross, the populace that came from Jerusalem, on purpose to see the sight,

reviled him,
or "blasphemed him": they spoke all manner of evil of him, they could think of, to which he answered not a word; and which may teach us patience under the revilings of men: this was foretold of him, ( Psalms 89:51 ) , "they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed", or "Messiah"; and which Jarchi explains by (ypwo) , "the ends of the king Messiah"; his last times, towards the close of his days; and cites that passage in the Misna ^F26,

``in the heels, or, as Buxtorf renders it, in the end of the days of the Messiah impudence shall be multiplied,''

as it now was exceedingly:

wagging their heads;
in derision of him, and as exulting in his misery; see ( Isaiah 37:22 ) ( Lamentations 2:15 ) . This also was prophesied of him in ( Psalms 22:7 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 Sota, c. 9. sect. 15.

Matthew 27:39 In-Context

37 And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38 Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left.

39 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

40 and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross.

41 In like manner also the chief priests mocking [him], with the scribes and elders, said,