Matthew 27:30
And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κάλαμον
the reed
G2563
κάλαμον
the reed
Strong's:
G2563
Word #:
7 of 13
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔτυπτον
smote
G5180
ἔτυπτον
smote
Strong's:
G5180
Word #:
9 of 13
to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 50:6I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.Matthew 26:67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.Mark 15:19And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
Historical Context
Spitting was considered deeply defiling in Jewish culture (Leviticus 15:8) and equally contemptuous in Roman culture. Striking a condemned man before execution was common practice, softening resistance and providing entertainment for soldiers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's acceptance of spitting and beating demonstrate the extent of his humility (Philippians 2:5-8)?
- What does Christ's restraint of divine power in this moment teach about the voluntary nature of his sacrifice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They spit upon him (ἐνέπτυσαν, enéptysan)—the ultimate ancient Near Eastern gesture of contempt (Numbers 12:14, Deuteronomy 25:9). Jesus receives the spittle of soldiers, fulfilling Isaiah 50:6: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Took the reed, and smote him on the head—the mock scepter becomes an instrument of torture, driving thorns deeper. The head that will be crowned with glory (Hebrews 2:9) is beaten. The irony: they strike the Judge of all the earth while he restrains twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53).