Mark 15:25
And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
Original Language Analysis
τρίτη
the third
G5154
τρίτη
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
4 of 7
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 15:33And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.John 19:14And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!Acts 2:15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.Matthew 27:45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.Luke 23:44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Historical Context
Crucifixion typically began at dawn to maximize public exposure and the victim's suffering duration. The 'third hour' (9 AM) timing meant Jesus would hang for six hours before death (Mark 15:34 notes the ninth hour, 3 PM). Roman crucifixion involved nailing or binding victims to crossbeams; nails through wrists (not palms, which couldn't support body weight) and ankles. Death came through asphyxiation as the victim weakened and could no longer push up to breathe.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the synchronicity of Jesus' crucifixion with the morning sacrifice deepen your understanding of atonement?
- What does Jesus enduring six hours of crucifixion agony reveal about the price of your redemption?
- In what ways should the historical reality of Christ's physical suffering inform your worship and gratitude?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
It was the third hour, and they crucified him (ἦν ὥρα τρίτη καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν)—Mark's precise time notation: the hōra tritē (ὥρα τρίτη, third hour) equals 9:00 AM by Jewish timekeeping (counting from sunrise ~6 AM). The aorist tense of stauroō (σταυρόω, crucify) marks the decisive, completed action: 'they crucified' (past definite). This stark six-word sentence in Greek captures the moment heaven's King was nailed to wood.
The timing is theologically significant: 9 AM was the hour of the morning tamid sacrifice in the Temple, when the first lamb was offered (Exodus 29:38-39). As priests slaughtered the lamb, soldiers nailed the Lamb of God to the cross. The synchronicity is divine: Jesus is both High Priest and sacrifice. The apparent discrepancy with John 19:14 ('sixth hour') likely reflects different time-reckoning systems (Roman vs. Jewish) or John's theological emphasis on Jesus as the Passover Lamb slaughtered at preparation-time.