Matthew 27:42
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Original Language Analysis
σῶσαι·
He saved
G4982
σῶσαι·
He saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
2 of 18
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 18
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
οὐ
he cannot
G3756
οὐ
he cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
4 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
σῶσαι·
He saved
G4982
σῶσαι·
He saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
6 of 18
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
βασιλεὺς
the King
G935
βασιλεὺς
the King
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
8 of 18
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
9 of 18
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
12 of 18
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυροῦ
the cross
G4716
σταυροῦ
the cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
15 of 18
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was designed to make the victim appear utterly powerless—naked, suspended, gasping for breath. That the King of Israel would die this shameful death was 'foolishness to Greeks' and 'stumbling block to Jews' (1 Corinthians 1:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the phrase 'He saved others; himself he cannot save' express the heart of substitutionary atonement?
- Why is the cross a greater demonstration of power than any miracle of deliverance would have been?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He saved others; himself he cannot save—the mockers speak prophetic truth. Cannot (οὐ δύναται, ou dynatai) is theologically accurate: Jesus cannot save himself AND save us. The Sinless One must die for the sinful. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him—a lying condition. They would not believe.
The great reversal: perceived weakness is actual power. The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:25). The cross appears as defeat but is victory. Staying on the cross demonstrates greater power than coming down.