Mark 15:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 15:23
23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
Chapter Context
Mark 15 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, judgment, truth. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 15:23
23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
Analysis
At Golgotha, 'they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not' (ἐδίδουν αὐτῷ ἐσμυρνισμένον οἶνον, ὃς δὲ οὐκ ἔλαβεν). This mixture was offered to crucifixion victims as mild sedative dulling pain. Jesus refused—He would endure the cross's full horror fully conscious. This demonstrates voluntary suffering and complete obedience to the Father's will. Jesus wouldn't anesthetize Himself to escape suffering's reality. He must fully experience God's wrath against sin to accomplish atonement. His refusal also fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 69:21, 'in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink'). Later, He accepted sour wine (Mark 15:36), fulfilling Scripture. Jesus' conscious suffering ensures His complete identification with our pain and His sufficient atonement for sin.
Historical Context
Wine mixed with myrrh (or gall, Matthew 27:34) was customarily offered to crucifixion victims as primitive pain relief. Myrrh had narcotic properties, dulling sensation. Proverbs 31:6-7 advised, 'Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish... let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.' Jewish women in Jerusalem apparently provided this mercy to condemned criminals. Jesus' refusal meant experiencing crucifixion's full agony. This decision ensured conscious obedience throughout suffering, fulfilling the Father's will completely. Later (Mark 15:36), someone offered Him sour wine (vinegar, oxos)—common soldier's drink—which He tasted before dying (John 19:30). This fulfilled Psalm 69:21 precisely. Early church saw significance in Jesus' refusal then acceptance—controlling His suffering according to prophetic pattern.
Reflection
- Why did Jesus refuse the drugged wine that would have dulled His suffering on the cross?
- What does Jesus' fully conscious endurance of crucifixion teach about the necessity of complete, willing obedience in accomplishing atonement?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 26:19, 27:34, Luke 22:18