New International VersionA certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
New Living TranslationA passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)
English Standard VersionAnd they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Berean Standard BibleNow Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
Berean Literal BibleAnd they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, coming from the country, that he might carry His cross.
King James BibleAnd they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
New King James VersionThen they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.
New American Standard BibleAnd they compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.
NASB 1995They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.
NASB 1977And they pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they pressed into service a passer-by coming from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.
Amplified BibleThey forced into service a passer-by coming in from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.
Christian Standard BibleThey forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’ cross. He was Simon, a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
American Standard VersionAnd they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.
Contemporary English VersionSimon from Cyrene happened to be coming in from a farm, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.
English Revised VersionAnd they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationA man named Simon from the city of Cyrene was coming [into Jerusalem] from his home in the country. He was the father of Alexander and Rufus. As he was about to pass by, the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross.
Good News TranslationOn the way they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was from Cyrene and was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)
International Standard VersionThey forced a certain passer-by named Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who happened to be coming in from the country, to carry Jesus' cross.
NET BibleThe soldiers forced a passerby to carry his cross, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus).
New Heart English BibleAnd they forced one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might carry his cross.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they constrain one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
Weymouth New TestamentOne Simon, a Cyrenaean, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing along, coming from the country: him they compelled to carry His cross. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
World English BibleThey compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they impress a certain one passing by—Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus—that he may carry His cross,
Berean Literal BibleAnd they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, coming from the country, that he might carry His cross.
Young's Literal Translation And they impress a certain one passing by -- Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus -- that he may bear his cross,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they constrain a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, passing by, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, that he might take up his cross. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they forced one Simon a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up his cross.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they compelled a certain passerby, Simon the Cyrenian, who was arriving from the countryside, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his cross.
New American BibleThey pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
New Revised Standard VersionThey compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they compelled one who was passing by, Simon the Cyrenian, who was coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they detained one who was passing by, Shimeon, a Cyrenian, who had come from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his cross. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd they compelled one Simon, a Cyrenian, (the father of Alexander and Rufus,) who was passing by, coming in from the country, to bear his cross.
Godbey New TestamentAnd they compel a certain Simon, a Cyrenean, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, that he must take His cross.
Haweis New TestamentAnd they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming out of the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mace New Testament
one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he pass'd by in his return out of the country, was compell'd to carry the cross.
Weymouth New Testament
One Simon, a Cyrenaean, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing along, coming from the country: him they compelled to carry His cross.
Worrell New Testament
And they impress one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.
Worsley New Testament
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus,as he was passing by, coming out of the country, to carry his cross:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Crucifixion20After they had mocked Him, they removed the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him. 21NowSimonof Cyrene,thefatherof AlexanderandRufus,was passing byon his way infromthe country,andthe soldiers forced himtocarrythecrossof Jesus.22They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull.…
Cross References Matthew 27:32Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
Luke 23:26As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
John 19:17Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.
Acts 2:23He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.
Romans 16:13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
Galatians 6:2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Peter 2:24He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”
Isaiah 53:4-5Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Genesis 22:6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.
Exodus 12:21-22Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. / Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.
Numbers 15:32-36While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ...
1 Kings 19:19So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.
2 Kings 4:29So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”
Psalm 22:16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
Psalm 69:7-9For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face. / I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, / because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
Treasury of Scripture And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. they compel. Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bearit after Jesus. a Cyrenian. Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is calledthe synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. Acts 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. and Rufus. Romans 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. to bear. Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. John 15:18-20 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me beforeit hated you… Jump to Previous AlexanderBearCarryCompelCompelledConstrainCountryCrossCyrenaeanCyreneCyre'neCyrenianImpressPassedPasser-ByPassingPressedRufusServiceSimonWayJump to Next AlexanderBearCarryCompelCompelledConstrainCountryCrossCyrenaeanCyreneCyre'neCyrenianImpressPassedPasser-ByPassingPressedRufusServiceSimonWayMark 15 1.Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.6.Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,12.and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.16.He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;21.faints in bearing his cross;27.hangs between two thieves;29.suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;39.but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;42.and is honorably buried by Joseph.Now Simon of CyreneSimon is identified as being from Cyrene, a city in modern-day Libya, North Africa. Cyrene had a significant Jewish population, and Simon was likely a Jew who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. This highlights the diverse Jewish diaspora present during the time of Jesus. the father of Alexander and Rufus
The mention of Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, suggests that they were known to the early Christian community. Rufus is possibly the same individual mentioned inRomans 16:13, indicating a connection between the Gospel accounts and the early church. This personal detail adds historical credibility and suggests the involvement of Simon's family in the early Christian movement. was passing by on his way in from the country
Simon was likely coming into Jerusalem from the surrounding countryside, possibly for the Passover. This detail emphasizes the unexpected nature of his involvement in the crucifixion narrative. It also reflects the bustling activity in Jerusalem during the festival, with many pilgrims entering the city. and the soldiers forced him
Roman soldiers had the authority to compel individuals to carry burdens, a practice known as impressment. This reflects the oppressive nature of Roman rule and the humiliation associated with carrying a cross, a task typically reserved for the condemned. to carry the cross of Jesus
Carrying the cross was part of the Roman execution process, symbolizing the condemned's submission to Roman authority. Simon's act of carrying the cross can be seen as a type of discipleship, bearing the burden of Christ. This moment fulfills the call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus, as mentioned inMark 8:34. It also prefigures the substitutionary aspect of Jesus' sacrifice, as Simon physically bears the cross that Jesus would be crucified upon. Persons / Places / Events 1. Simon of CyreneA man from Cyrene, a city in modern-day Libya, who was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus. His involvement is significant as it highlights the burden of the cross and the participation of a Gentile in the Passion account. 2. Alexander and RufusSons of Simon of Cyrene. Their mention suggests they were known to the early Christian community, possibly indicating their involvement in the early Church. 3. The CrossThe instrument of Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing the weight of sin and the path of suffering that Jesus bore for humanity. 4. Roman SoldiersThey enforced the Roman practice of compelling bystanders to carry burdens, illustrating the oppressive nature of Roman rule and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His suffering. 5. The Way to GolgothaThe path Jesus took to the place of crucifixion, representing the journey of sacrifice and redemption. Teaching Points The Burden of the CrossSimon's act of carrying the cross serves as a reminder of the call to bear our own crosses in following Christ. It symbolizes the sharing in Christ's sufferings and the call to discipleship. Involvement of the GentilesSimon, a man from Cyrene, represents the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. This foreshadows the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. Family Legacy in FaithThe mention of Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, suggests the impact of a parent's faith and actions on their children, encouraging believers to consider their spiritual legacy. Divine AppointmentsSimon's encounter with Jesus was unplanned from a human perspective but divinely orchestrated. This teaches us to be open to God's unexpected plans in our lives. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Mark 15
Who was Rufus mentioned in the Bible?
Who was Rufus mentioned in the Bible?
Who was Veronica in the Bible?
Who assisted Jesus in carrying the cross?(21) The father of Alexander and Rufus.--The fact recorded here, and not elsewhere, is one of the most striking instances of the independent character of St. Mark's Gospel. It is clear that it had a special interest for himself and the readers for whom he wrote; what that interest was we can only conjecture. The two names were so common that we cannot arrive at more than a probable identification, but the mention of a "Rufus chosen in the Lord" as prominent among the Christians of Rome ( Romans 16:13), taken together with the evidence which connects St. Mark's Gospel with that Church (see Introduction) , tends to the conclusion that he was one of the two brothers thus mentioned. But if so, then we are led on to some other facts of no slight interest. St. Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as being also his mother--i.e., endeared to him by many proofs of maternal kindness--and so we are led to the belief that the wife of Simon of Cyrene must, at some time or other, at Antioch or Corinth, and afterwards at Rome, have come within the inner circle of St. Paul's friends. This, in its turn, connects itself with the prominence given to "men of Cyrene" in St. Luke's account of the foundation of the Gentile Church of Antioch ( Acts 11:20). (See Note on Matthew 27:20.) (21-38) See Notes onMatthew 27:32-51. Verse 21. - Andthey compel one passing by Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. It seems from St. Matthew ( Matthew 27:32) that our Savior bore his own cross from the palace to the gate of the city. The tablet, with the inscription afterwards attached to the cross, would be carried before him; and a certain number of soldiers would be appointed to go with him to the place of execution, and to see the sentence carried out. Having passed out through the gate of the city, they met one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they compel him ( ἀγγαρεύουσι); literally, they impress him. The Cyrenians had a synagogue in Jerusalem ( Acts 6:9), and this Simon may probably have been one of those who had come up to keep the Passover. He must have been a Hellenistic Jew, a native of Cyrene, on the north coast of Africa. Alexander and Rufus, his sons, were no doubt, at the time when St. Mark wrote his Gospel, well-known disciples of our Lord. St. Paul, writing to the Romans ( Romans 16:13), sends a special salutation to Rufus, "chosen in the Lord, and his mother, and mine;" a delicate recognition by St. Paul of something like maternal care bestowed upon him by the mother of Rufus. It is probable that his father Simon, and perhaps his brother Alexander, may have been dead by this time. Rufus is also honorably mentioned by Polycarp in his Epistle to the Philippians. There is a tradition, mentioned by Cornelius a Lapide, that Rufus became a bishop in Spain, and that Alexander suffered martyrdom. To go with them, that he might bear his cross. St. Luke ( Luke 23:26) adds the touching words, "to bear it after Jesus ( φέρειν ὔπισθεν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [Now]τινα(tina)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.SimonΣίμωνα(Simōna)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613:Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.of Cyrene,Κυρηναῖον(Kyrēnaion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2956:Belonging to Cyrene, a Cyrenaean. From Kurene; i.e. Cyrenaean, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyrene.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fatherπατέρα(patera)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.of AlexanderἈλεξάνδρου(Alexandrou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 223:From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.Rufus,Ῥούφου(Rhouphou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4504:Of Latin origin; red; Rufus, a Christian.was passing byπαράγοντά(paragonta)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3855:To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.on his way inἐρχόμενον(erchomenon)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.fromἀπ’(ap’)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.the country,ἀγροῦ(agrou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 68:From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet.andΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the soldiers] forced [him]ἀγγαρεύουσιν(angareuousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 29:Of foreign origin; properly, to be a courier, i.e. to press into public service.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.carryἄρῃ(arē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 142:To raise, lift up, take away, remove.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crossσταυρὸν(stauron)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716:A cross.of [Jesus].αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Mark 15:21 They compelled one passing by coming (Mar Mk Mr) |
