And those who passed byThis phrase indicates the presence of a public road or path near the crucifixion site, likely near the city of Jerusalem. Crucifixions were often held in visible locations to serve as a deterrent to others. The people passing by would have been a mix of locals and pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, highlighting the public nature of Jesus' execution. This fulfills the prophecy in
Psalm 22:7, which speaks of being scorned by those who see Him.
heaped abuse on Him
The act of heaping abuse reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). This abuse was verbal and likely included mocking His claim to be the King of the Jews and the Son of God. The cultural context of honor and shame in the ancient Near East meant that public ridicule was a severe form of humiliation. This moment underscores the depth of Jesus' suffering and the rejection He faced from His own people.
shaking their heads
Shaking the head was a gesture of scorn and derision in ancient Jewish culture, as seen inPsalm 22:7 andLamentations 2:15. This physical act of mockery signifies disbelief and contempt, emphasizing the rejection of Jesus' messianic claims. It also serves as a type of the suffering servant, a theme prevalent in the prophetic literature, where the righteous suffer unjustly at the hands of the wicked.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PassersbyThese were individuals who were present at the crucifixion of Jesus. They were likely Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem for the Passover, and they mocked Jesus as they passed by.
2.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of this event, Jesus is being crucified at Golgotha. His crucifixion is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the pivotal moment in Christian theology.
3.
GolgothaAlso known as "The Place of the Skull," this is the site outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. It holds significant theological importance as the place of Jesus' sacrificial death.
4.
CrucifixionA Roman method of execution, crucifixion was a brutal and public way to punish criminals. For Christians, it represents the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity.
5.
MockingThe act of derision and scorn directed at Jesus by the passersby. This fulfills the prophecy of
Psalm 22, which speaks of the Messiah being mocked and scorned.
Teaching Points
Understanding Mockery and PersecutionJesus' experience of mockery is a reminder that following Him may lead to similar treatment. Believers should be prepared to face scorn for their faith.
Fulfillment of ProphecyThe mockery of Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
Responding to PersecutionJesus' response to mockery was one of silence and forgiveness. Believers are called to respond to persecution with grace and love.
The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus involves taking up one's cross, which may include enduring ridicule and rejection from the world.
The Power of the CrossDespite the mockery, the crucifixion is the means of salvation. Believers should focus on the redemptive power of the cross rather than the shame associated with it.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 27:39?
2.How does Matthew 27:39 illustrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
3.What can we learn from the mockers' actions in Matthew 27:39?
4.How does Matthew 27:39 connect to Psalm 22:7's prophetic words?
5.How should believers respond to mockery for their faith today?
6.What does Matthew 27:39 teach about enduring persecution with grace?
7.Why did passersby mock Jesus in Matthew 27:39?
8.How does Matthew 27:39 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
9.What is the significance of the mockery in Matthew 27:39?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27?
11.What is the meaning of mocking God?
12.What does the Bible say about abuse and guilt?
13.Psalm 115:2 — How does this verse align with historical events where God's presence or intervention seemed absent or unclear?
14.Psalm 22:6 – Is the statement “I am a worm, and not a man” hyperbole, or does it imply a scientific or historical inaccuracy?What Does Matthew 27:39 Mean
AndMatthew 27:39 opens with a simple connective: “And.”
• It links the mockery in verse 39 to the broader flow of events—Jesus already nailed to the cross, soldiers casting lots (Matthew 27:35-38).
• This “And” shows that ridicule came in addition to physical suffering. It fulfills what Jesus foretold: “They will mock Him, spit on Him, flog Him, and kill Him” (Mark 10:34).
• The ongoing nature of the abuse echoesPsalm 69:20—“Scorn has broken my heart and left me helpless.”
those who passed by“And those who passed by” highlights ordinary travelers on the road outside Jerusalem, not just officials.
• Crucifixions were staged along major routes so passers-by would see Rome’s power.John 19:20 notes the site was “near the city,” visible to many.
• Their participation shows the breadth of rejection: rulers (Luke 23:35), soldiers (Luke 23:36), criminals (Matthew 27:44), and now everyday people.Isaiah 53:3 predicted He would be “despised and rejected by men.”
heaped abuseThe crowd “heaped abuse” (or “reviled,”) on Jesus.
• Verbal taunts deepen His humiliation—Psalm 22:7-8 pictures exactly this: “All who see Me mock Me; they sneer and shake their heads, saying, ‘He trusted in the LORD…’”
• Their insults fulfill the prophetic pattern of the righteous sufferer (Lamentations 2:15).
•1 Peter 2:23 points to Jesus’ response: “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate.”
on HimThe abuse was aimed “on Him.”
• He willingly endured personal ridicule to bear our sin (Isaiah 53:4-5).
•Galatians 3:13 reminds us He became “a curse for us,” absorbing wrath that rightly falls on sinners.
• Even as venom fell on Him, He interceded for His tormentors (Luke 23:34).
shaking their headsThe gesture adds contempt to their words—nonverbal scorn.
•Psalm 109:25 predicted, “When they see me, they shake their heads.”
• Shaking the head can signal dismissal or triumph over an enemy (2 Kings 19:21).
• Though they mocked, the very act verifies prophecy and proves Jesus is the promised Messiah (Matthew 26:56).
summaryMatthew 27:39 shows that amid unimaginable pain, Jesus faced widespread, prophetic, and personal mockery. Ordinary travelers joined leaders and soldiers in ridiculing Him, yet every insult fulfilled Scripture. Their scorn contrasts with His silent, sacrificial love, underscoring that He bore not only the physical cross but also the full weight of human contempt to secure our redemption.
(39)
They that passed by.--The words bring before us the picture of a lounging crowd, strolling from one cross to the other, and mocking the central sufferer of the three. Rulers and chief priests were not ashamed to take part in the brutal mockery of a dying man. The spoken taunts were doubtless often repeated, and not always in the same form, but their burden is always the same.
Verse 39. -
They that passed by. Golgotha being near a great high road and a much-frequented city gate (
John 19:20), passersby were numerous, even without counting those who were attracted by the woeful sight. Many of them knew nothing of Christ's case, but seeing him punished in company with the two malefactors, thought that he was doubtless guilty of the same crimes as they; others, perhaps, who had seen his miracles and heard something of his teaching, conceived the notion that one whom the priests and rulers condemned must be a dangerous impostor, and deserved the cruelest of deaths.
Reviled him;ἐβλασφήμουν:
railed on him;
blasphemabant (Vulgate). The expression, indeed, is true in its worse sense, for they who could thus revile the Son of God were guilty, however ignorantly, of gross impiety and irreverence.
Wagging their heads. In mockery and contempt, thus fulfilling the psalmist's words, "All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head;" and, "I am become a reproach unto them; when they see me, they shake their heads" (
Psalm 22:7;
Psalm 109:25).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.those whoΟἱ(Hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.passed byπαραπορευόμενοι(paraporeuomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3899:To go past, pass by, pass along by. From para and poreuomai; to travel near.heaped abuse onἐβλασφήμουν(eblasphēmoun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 987:From blasphemos; to vilify; specially, to speak impiously.Him,αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.shakingκινοῦντες(kinountes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2795:To set in motion, move, remove, excite, stir up. From kio; to stir, literally or figuratively.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.heads,κεφαλὰς(kephalas)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2776:From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.
Links
Matthew 27:39 NIVMatthew 27:39 NLTMatthew 27:39 ESVMatthew 27:39 NASBMatthew 27:39 KJV
Matthew 27:39 BibleApps.comMatthew 27:39 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 27:39 Chinese BibleMatthew 27:39 French BibleMatthew 27:39 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Matthew 27:39 Those who passed by blasphemed him wagging (Matt. Mat Mt) 
