Mark Chapter 15 · Verse 31
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
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 #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 18
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
σῶσαι·
He saved
G4982
σῶσαι·
He saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
14 of 18
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
15 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Historical Context
Chief priests and scribes represented Judaism's religious aristocracy—Sadducees who controlled the Temple and Pharisaic legal scholars. Their presence at Golgotha wasn't required; they came deliberately to witness Jesus' death and mock His messianic claims. Their statement reveals their theological expectation: a true Messiah would demonstrate invincible power, not die powerlessly. They couldn't conceive that Messianic suffering was prophetically mandated (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). Their mockery exposed their hardness: even watching fulfilled prophecy, they remained blind.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' choice—saving others rather than Himself—challenge your understanding of biblical leadership and greatness?
- What does the religious leaders' unwitting proclamation of gospel truth reveal about God's sovereignty over human opposition?
- In what ways are you tempted to preserve yourself rather than sacrifice for others' spiritual good?
Analysis & Commentary
The chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save—The religious elite join the mockery. Their statement is theologically brilliant while spiritually blind: allous esōsen, heauton ou dynatai sōsai (ἄλλους ἔσωσεν, ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται σῶσαι)—'Others He saved; Himself He cannot save.' The verb sōzō (σῴζω) means 'save/heal/deliver,' used throughout Mark for Jesus' miracles (5:23, 5:28, 6:56, 10:52).
They speak truth beyond their comprehension. Yes, He saved others through healing miracles—and yes, He cannot save Himself WHILE saving humanity. The atonement requires substitution: the Savior cannot simultaneously be saved and save. Their mockery inadvertently proclaims the gospel: Jesus chose our salvation over His own deliverance. Unlike religious hypocrites who demand others' sacrifice while preserving themselves, Jesus practiced ultimate self-giving. The chief priests meant this as ridicule; God meant it as revelation.