John 19:29 - Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 19:29" mean?
This verse from John 19:29 describes a specific action taken towards Jesus while he was on the cross. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there": This tells us that there was a container of vinegar nearby. In this context, the vinegar was likely the cheap, sour wine, sometimes called "sour wine" or "posca," that was commonly drunk by Roman soldiers and laborers. It was not a drink offered out of kindness, but rather a common beverage readily available.
"so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop": Someone (likely a Roman soldier or a bystander) soaked a sponge in the vinegar. The hyssop plant is a small, bushy plant. However, some scholars suggest that since hyssop is too small to reach Jesus' mouth on the cross, a long stalk or a bundle of hyssop was used. The exact nature of the 'hyssop' is debated.
"and held it at his mouth": The soaked sponge was then raised to Jesus' lips.
Here's what the action likely signifies:
Physical Torment/Humiliation: The offering of vinegar wasn't a gesture of comfort or compassion. It was probably meant to prolong Jesus' suffering or to mock him. The sour taste would have been unpleasant, especially in his dehydrated and weakened state.
Fulfillment of Prophecy (Possible): Some interpret this action as a possible fulfillment of Psalm 69:21, which says, "They also gave me gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." The gospel writers often point out events that fulfill Old Testament prophecies related to the Messiah. However, the Gospel of John makes no such claim here, and so any connection to prophecy is speculation.
A Practical Consideration: The soldiers were likely looking for ways to keep Jesus alive longer. It would have extended his suffering and the public spectacle.
In summary, this verse describes a seemingly small but significant detail of Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the harshness of his suffering, the indifference or even cruelty of those around him, and perhaps a fulfillment of prophecy. The act was not one of kindness or relief, but rather one of torment or mockery.
John 19:29 - Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.
What does "John 19:29" mean?
This verse from John 19:29 describes a specific action taken towards Jesus while he was on the cross. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there": This tells us that there was a container of vinegar nearby. In this context, the vinegar was likely the cheap, sour wine, sometimes called "sour wine" or "posca," that was commonly drunk by Roman soldiers and laborers. It was not a drink offered out of kindness, but rather a common beverage readily available.
"so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop": Someone (likely a Roman soldier or a bystander) soaked a sponge in the vinegar. The hyssop plant is a small, bushy plant. However, some scholars suggest that since hyssop is too small to reach Jesus' mouth on the cross, a long stalk or a bundle of hyssop was used. The exact nature of the 'hyssop' is debated.
"and held it at his mouth": The soaked sponge was then raised to Jesus' lips.
Here's what the action likely signifies:
Physical Torment/Humiliation: The offering of vinegar wasn't a gesture of comfort or compassion. It was probably meant to prolong Jesus' suffering or to mock him. The sour taste would have been unpleasant, especially in his dehydrated and weakened state.
Fulfillment of Prophecy (Possible): Some interpret this action as a possible fulfillment of Psalm 69:21, which says, "They also gave me gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." The gospel writers often point out events that fulfill Old Testament prophecies related to the Messiah. However, the Gospel of John makes no such claim here, and so any connection to prophecy is speculation.
A Practical Consideration: The soldiers were likely looking for ways to keep Jesus alive longer. It would have extended his suffering and the public spectacle.
In summary, this verse describes a seemingly small but significant detail of Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the harshness of his suffering, the indifference or even cruelty of those around him, and perhaps a fulfillment of prophecy. The act was not one of kindness or relief, but rather one of torment or mockery.