Mark 15:29
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
on him
G846
αὐτῶν
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 21
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
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὰς
heads
G2776
κεφαλὰς
heads
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
8 of 21
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
αὐτῶν
on him
G846
αὐτῶν
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 21
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταλύων
thou that destroyest
G2647
καταλύων
thou that destroyest
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
14 of 21
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Psalms 109:25I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.Mark 14:58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.Lamentations 2:15All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?Lamentations 1:12Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.
Historical Context
Golgotha ('place of a skull') was located along a major road outside Jerusalem's walls, ensuring maximum public exposure. Passersby included Passover pilgrims, merchants, and locals—a captive audience for Rome's deterrent spectacle. Verbal abuse of crucifixion victims was common; crowds often participated in the humiliation. The 'temple' reference resonated deeply during Passover, when temple worship was central and messianic fervor peaked among pilgrims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' silent endurance of blasphemous mockery challenge your response to false accusations and misunderstanding?
- What does the crowd's unwitting prophecy about the resurrection reveal about God's control over human opposition?
- In what ways do modern critics of Christianity unwittingly proclaim truths they intend to mock?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads—The verb eblasphēmoun (ἐβλασφήμουν, 'blasphemed/reviled') indicates ongoing verbal abuse from passersby on the Jerusalem-to-Jericho road. The participle kinountes tas kephalas (κινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλάς, 'wagging heads') fulfills Psalm 22:7 exactly: 'All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head.' Head-wagging signified contemptuous mockery in Jewish culture.
Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days—They quote Jesus' words from Mark 14:58, but misunderstand entirely. Jesus spoke of His body as the temple (John 2:19-21); they heard literal stones. Their mockery unwittingly prophesied the resurrection: in three days, He WOULD rebuild the temple of His body, destroyed on the cross. The irony is exquisite: while mocking His claims, they proclaimed the very truth that would vindicate Him.