Mark 15:28
And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
G4137
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 10
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 10
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγουσα,
saith
G3004
λέγουσα,
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Christ, provided the theological framework for understanding the Suffering Servant's atoning death. First-century Jews debated Isaiah 53's interpretation—most didn't apply it to the Messiah. The early church recognized Jesus as the Servant who bore sins and was counted with transgressors. Mark's citation demonstrates the early church's conviction that Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecy, not accidental tragedy but cosmic plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus being 'numbered with transgressors' inform your understanding of justification by faith alone?
- What does the prophetic precision of Isaiah 53 reveal about God's sovereign orchestration of redemption?
- In what ways should Christ's bearing your 'transgressor' status affect how you view and treat other sinners?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors—This verse directly quotes Isaiah 53:12: 'He was numbered (Greek elogisthē, ἐλογίσθη, 'reckoned/counted') with the transgressors (anomōn, ἀνόμων, lawless ones).' Mark interprets the crucifixion as prophetic fulfillment: Jesus' placement between criminals wasn't accidental but divinely orchestrated.
The theological depth is profound: Christ was 'numbered' (legally counted, judicially reckoned) with lawbreakers. This is the language of substitutionary atonement—He took the sinner's place, bearing the sinner's guilt. 2 Corinthians 5:21 expands this: 'He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.' The Innocent counted among the guilty, that the guilty might be counted among the righteous. The cross reveals the Great Exchange: our sin for His righteousness, our death for His life.