King James Version

What Does Luke 23:36 Mean?

Luke 23:36 in the King James Version says “And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,”

Luke 23:36 · KJV

Context

34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

35

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

36

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

37

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

38

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar. The soldiers' mockery added a Gentile voice to the Jewish rulers' scorn, fulfilling Psalm 22:7-8: "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him." The verb "mocked" (enepaixan, ἐνέπαιξαν) means to ridicule, deride, or make sport of—treating Christ's agony as entertainment.

"Offering him vinegar" (prosferantes auto oxos, προσφέροντες αὐτῷ ὄξος) describes presenting cheap, sour wine (oxos, ὄξος), the common drink of soldiers and laborers. This wasn't the wine mixed with myrrh offered earlier as an anesthetic (Mark 15:23, which Jesus refused), but a mocking gesture—offering refreshment while simultaneously taunting Him. Some scholars suggest this fulfilled Psalm 69:21: "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."

The soldiers' participation reveals the universality of human guilt. Jewish leaders represented religious humanity rejecting God's Messiah; Roman soldiers represented pagan humanity treating Him with contempt. Together they demonstrate Paul's assertion: "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Jew and Gentile, religious and secular, all participated in crucifying the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8). Yet Christ prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), demonstrating grace toward the very mockers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers conducting executions frequently abused and mocked victims, viewing crucifixion duty as crude entertainment. The offering of vinegar was standard practice—posca, a mixture of sour wine, water, and vinegar, served as the regular drink of Roman legionaries. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered Roman military camps with evidence of posca production and storage.

The soldiers' mockery likely stemmed partly from the charge against Jesus—"King of the Jews." To Roman soldiers, Jewish messianic claims were absurd. They had earlier dressed Jesus in a purple robe, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and mocked Him with "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Luke 23:11, John 19:2-3). Now at the cross, they continued the cruel jest. Their contempt for Jewish religion and Roman authority's willingness to execute a harmless teacher reveals the moral bankruptcy of pagan empire—power without justice, strength without mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the soldiers' mockery alongside the Jewish leaders' demonstrate the universal guilt of humanity—both religious and secular—in Christ's crucifixion?
  2. What does Jesus' prayer "Father, forgive them" while being mocked teach about responding to those who persecute or ridicule us for our faith?
  3. How should the fulfillment of Psalm 22 and 69 in the crucifixion details strengthen our confidence in Scripture's inspiration and prophetic accuracy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐνέπαιζον1 of 11

“mocked”

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ3 of 11

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ4 of 11

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ5 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στρατιῶται6 of 11

“the soldiers”

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

προσερχόμενοι7 of 11

“coming”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

καὶ8 of 11

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὄξος9 of 11

“vinegar”

G3690

vinegar, i.e., sour wine

προσφέροντες10 of 11

“offering”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ11 of 11

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 23:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 23:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:21Matthew 27:48Matthew 27:34Mark 15:36Matthew 27:29-30John 19:28-30

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