King James Version

What Does Mark 15:23 Mean?

Mark 15:23 in the King James Version says “And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.”

Mark 15:23 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

24

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

25

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At Golgotha, 'they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not' (ἐδίδουν αὐτῷ ἐσμυρνισμένον οἶνον, ὃς δὲ οὐκ ἔλαβεν). This mixture was offered to crucifixion victims as mild sedative dulling pain. Jesus refused—He would endure the cross's full horror fully conscious. This demonstrates voluntary suffering and complete obedience to the Father's will. Jesus wouldn't anesthetize Himself to escape suffering's reality. He must fully experience God's wrath against sin to accomplish atonement. His refusal also fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 69:21, 'in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink'). Later, He accepted sour wine (Mark 15:36), fulfilling Scripture. Jesus' conscious suffering ensures His complete identification with our pain and His sufficient atonement for sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wine mixed with myrrh (or gall, Matthew 27:34) was customarily offered to crucifixion victims as primitive pain relief. Myrrh had narcotic properties, dulling sensation. Proverbs 31:6-7 advised, 'Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish... let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.' Jewish women in Jerusalem apparently provided this mercy to condemned criminals. Jesus' refusal meant experiencing crucifixion's full agony. This decision ensured conscious obedience throughout suffering, fulfilling the Father's will completely. Later (Mark 15:36), someone offered Him sour wine (vinegar, oxos)—common soldier's drink—which He tasted before dying (John 19:30). This fulfilled Psalm 69:21 precisely. Early church saw significance in Jesus' refusal then acceptance—controlling His suffering according to prophetic pattern.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus refuse the drugged wine that would have dulled His suffering on the cross?
  2. What does Jesus' fully conscious endurance of crucifixion teach about the necessity of complete, willing obedience in accomplishing atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

ἐδίδουν2 of 10

“they gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ3 of 10

“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

πιεῖν4 of 10

“to drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἐσμυρνισμένον5 of 10

“mingled with myrrh”

G4669

to tincture with myrrh, i.e., embitter (as a narcotic)

οἶνον·6 of 10

“wine”

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

ὁ7 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ8 of 10

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ9 of 10

“it not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔλαβεν10 of 10

“he received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:34John 19:28-30Luke 22:18Luke 23:36Mark 14:25Matthew 26:19

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