King James Version

What Does Mark 15:25 Mean?

Mark 15:25 in the King James Version says “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 15:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It was the third hour, and they crucified him (ἦν ὥρα τρίτη καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν)—Mark's precise time notation: the hōra tritē (ὥρα τρίτη, third hour) equals 9:00 AM by Jewish timekeeping (counting from sunrise ~6 AM). The aorist tense of stauroō (σταυρόω, crucify) marks the decisive, completed action: 'they crucified' (past definite). This stark six-word sentence in Greek captures the moment heaven's King was nailed to wood.

The timing is theologically significant: 9 AM was the hour of the morning tamid sacrifice in the Temple, when the first lamb was offered (Exodus 29:38-39). As priests slaughtered the lamb, soldiers nailed the Lamb of God to the cross. The synchronicity is divine: Jesus is both High Priest and sacrifice. The apparent discrepancy with John 19:14 ('sixth hour') likely reflects different time-reckoning systems (Roman vs. Jewish) or John's theological emphasis on Jesus as the Passover Lamb slaughtered at preparation-time.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion typically began at dawn to maximize public exposure and the victim's suffering duration. The 'third hour' (9 AM) timing meant Jesus would hang for six hours before death (Mark 15:34 notes the ninth hour, 3 PM). Roman crucifixion involved nailing or binding victims to crossbeams; nails through wrists (not palms, which couldn't support body weight) and ankles. Death came through asphyxiation as the victim weakened and could no longer push up to breathe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the synchronicity of Jesus' crucifixion with the morning sacrifice deepen your understanding of atonement?
  2. What does Jesus enduring six hours of crucifixion agony reveal about the price of your redemption?
  3. In what ways should the historical reality of Christ's physical suffering inform your worship and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἦν1 of 7

“it was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 7

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὥρα3 of 7

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τρίτη4 of 7

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

καὶ5 of 7

“and”

G2532

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

ἐσταύρωσαν6 of 7

“they crucified”

G4717

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

αὐτόν7 of 7

“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 15:25 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 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:14Mark 15:33Luke 23:44Matthew 27:45Acts 2:15

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