Mark 15:18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀσπάζεσθαι
to salute
G782
ἀσπάζεσθαι
to salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
3 of 8
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 8
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Χαῖρε
Hail
G5463
Χαῖρε
Hail
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
5 of 8
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
Historical Context
Roman emperors received elaborate ritualized greetings involving genuflection, acclamation, and titles like Imperator and Dominus et Deus. The soldiers' performance satirized both Jewish messianic hopes and Jesus' Sanhedrin trial claims. To Roman soldiers, Jewish messianic movements represented provincial rebellion deserving contempt—dozens of 'messiahs' had been crucified in living memory.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern culture's attempts to mock Christianity often accidentally proclaim gospel truth?
- What does the gap between the soldiers' intent and the actual reality reveal about God's sovereignty over evil?
- When have you treated Jesus with mere lip service rather than genuine heart allegiance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hail, King of the Jews! (Χαῖρε, ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων)—The greeting chaire (χαῖρε, 'hail' or 'rejoice') was the standard Roman imperial salutation, identical to Ave Caesar. Mark's terse narrative captures the soldiers' savage parody: they mimicked the formal court protocol for greeting Roman emperors, transforming worship into weaponized ridicule.
Theological irony saturates this verse. The soldiers' mockery inadvertently proclaimed the exact truth: Jesus IS the King of the Jews—and infinitely more, the King of Kings. Their theatrical 'worship' foreshadows Philippians 2:10-11, where genuine knee-bending confession will be universal. Satan's kingdom mocked Christ; God's kingdom will vindicate Him.