King James Version

What Does Mark 15:20 Mean?

Mark 15:20 in the King James Version says “And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to cruc...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”

Mark 15:20 · KJV

Context

18

And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

19

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

21

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.

22

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Read Mark 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they had mocked him, they took off the purple (ἐνέπαιξαν αὐτῷ, ἐξέδυσαν αὐτὸν τὴν πορφύραν)—The verb ekdyō (ἐκδύω, 'strip off') indicates forcible removal. Dried blood would have caused the robe to adhere to His scourge-torn back; ripping it off would have reopened wounds. They returned His own clothes, likely so His execution would appear 'legitimate' rather than theatrical.

Led him out to crucify him (ἐξάγουσιν αὐτὸν ἵνα σταυρώσωσιν)—The present tense verbs create vivid immediacy: 'they are leading...they are crucifying.' The Greek stauroō (σταυρόω, crucify) derives from stauros (cross/stake). Mark's stark, unadorned language mirrors the brutal reality: the Suffering Servant's humiliation transitions to execution. Hebrews 13:12 notes Jesus 'suffered outside the gate'—bearing our sin outside the camp, like the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:21-22).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman execution protocol required the condemned to carry their own crossbeam (patibulum) through crowded streets to the execution site outside city walls. This public procession served as deterrent propaganda. Jewish law required executions outside the city (Leviticus 24:14; Numbers 15:35) to prevent ritual defilement of the community—though crucifixion was purely Roman.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' journey 'outside the gate' (bearing your sin) reshape your understanding of sanctification?
  2. What comfort do you find in knowing Christ experienced humiliation's full psychological and physical dimensions?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to remove Christ's 'reproach' by conforming His message to worldly respectability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 21

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐνέπαιξαν3 of 21

“they had mocked”

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

αὐτόν4 of 21

“from 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

ἐξέδυσαν5 of 21

“they took off”

G1562

to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest

αὐτόν6 of 21

“from 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

τὴν7 of 21
G3588

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

πορφύραν8 of 21

“the purple”

G4209

the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it

καὶ9 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἐνέδυσαν10 of 21

“on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν11 of 21

“from 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

τὰ12 of 21
G3588

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

ἱμάτια13 of 21

“clothes”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

τὰ14 of 21
G3588

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

ἴδια15 of 21

“his own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

καὶ16 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξάγουσιν17 of 21

“led”

G1806

to lead forth

αὐτόν18 of 21

“from 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

ἵνα19 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σταυρώσωσιν20 of 21

“crucify”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

αὐτόν21 of 21

“from 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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 15:20 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 Mark 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:31John 19:16

Test Your Knowledge

Mark 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMark Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Mark 15 with CommentaryAll Mark ChaptersComplete Mark QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes