Matthew 27:34 - they gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.
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What does "Matthew 27:34" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:34 describes an act of (ostensibly) offering Jesus comfort while he was being crucified. Let's break down the elements and their possible interpretations:
"They gave him sour wine to drink":
Sour wine (Greek: ὄξος - oxos): This was a common drink among Roman soldiers and the poor. It was a cheap, watered-down, vinegary wine, somewhat like wine vinegar. It was not a choice beverage but served as a way to avoid drinking dirty water.
Offering of the drink: It was a customary act of piety or even a gesture of mockery. People are conflicted whether it was an attempt to offer minimal comfort, or more likely, to humiliate Jesus.
"mixed with gall":
Gall (Greek: χολή - cholē): This refers to a bitter substance. Some scholars believe it might have been a substance to alleviate pain. In the Old Testament, it is often associated with poison or something unpleasant (e.g., Psalm 69:21).
Possible interpretations:
Pain Relief: Some believe this mixture was intended to act as a crude painkiller or anesthetic, a common practice in that time. The bitterness would have made it unpleasant to drink, but the goal would have been to numb the pain of crucifixion.
Symbolic Cruelty: Others argue that mixing the wine with gall was another act of cruelty and mockery. The bitter taste would have added to Jesus' suffering, both physically and symbolically, as the gall might have represented the bitterness of his experience or the bitterness of sin he was supposedly carrying.
"When he had tasted it, he would not drink":
Refusal: Jesus tasted the mixture but refused to drink it further.
Interpretations of the refusal:
Acceptance of suffering: Jesus was aware of the mixture's intention and refused to dull the experience of the cross. He chose to experience the full extent of suffering, both physical and spiritual, as a sacrifice for humanity. His refusal to numb the pain can be seen as an act of strength and resolve.
Fulfillment of prophecy: Some interpretations see this as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 69:21: "They gave me gall for my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst."
Clarity of Mind: By refusing the drink, Jesus ensured he remained clear-headed and in control of his faculties during the most important moments of his passion.
In Summary:
The verse is a poignant depiction of Jesus's suffering on the cross. The offering of sour wine mixed with gall could have been intended as a means of either mercy or mockery, but Jesus refuses to drink it, possibly to remain fully aware of his suffering and to fulfill prophecy. This act demonstrates his willingness to endure the full burden of his sacrifice.
Matthew 27:34 - they gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.
What does "Matthew 27:34" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:34 describes an act of (ostensibly) offering Jesus comfort while he was being crucified. Let's break down the elements and their possible interpretations:
"They gave him sour wine to drink":
Sour wine (Greek: ὄξος - oxos): This was a common drink among Roman soldiers and the poor. It was a cheap, watered-down, vinegary wine, somewhat like wine vinegar. It was not a choice beverage but served as a way to avoid drinking dirty water.
Offering of the drink: It was a customary act of piety or even a gesture of mockery. People are conflicted whether it was an attempt to offer minimal comfort, or more likely, to humiliate Jesus.
"mixed with gall":
Gall (Greek: χολή - cholē): This refers to a bitter substance. Some scholars believe it might have been a substance to alleviate pain. In the Old Testament, it is often associated with poison or something unpleasant (e.g., Psalm 69:21).
Possible interpretations:
Pain Relief: Some believe this mixture was intended to act as a crude painkiller or anesthetic, a common practice in that time. The bitterness would have made it unpleasant to drink, but the goal would have been to numb the pain of crucifixion.
Symbolic Cruelty: Others argue that mixing the wine with gall was another act of cruelty and mockery. The bitter taste would have added to Jesus' suffering, both physically and symbolically, as the gall might have represented the bitterness of his experience or the bitterness of sin he was supposedly carrying.
"When he had tasted it, he would not drink":
Refusal: Jesus tasted the mixture but refused to drink it further.
Interpretations of the refusal:
Acceptance of suffering: Jesus was aware of the mixture's intention and refused to dull the experience of the cross. He chose to experience the full extent of suffering, both physical and spiritual, as a sacrifice for humanity. His refusal to numb the pain can be seen as an act of strength and resolve.
Fulfillment of prophecy: Some interpretations see this as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 69:21: "They gave me gall for my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst."
Clarity of Mind: By refusing the drink, Jesus ensured he remained clear-headed and in control of his faculties during the most important moments of his passion.
In Summary:
The verse is a poignant depiction of Jesus's suffering on the cross. The offering of sour wine mixed with gall could have been intended as a means of either mercy or mockery, but Jesus refuses to drink it, possibly to remain fully aware of his suffering and to fulfill prophecy. This act demonstrates his willingness to endure the full burden of his sacrifice.