King James Version

What Does Mark 15:28 Mean?

Mark 15:28 in the King James Version says “And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.”

Mark 15:28 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

29

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

30

Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Read Mark 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors—This verse directly quotes Isaiah 53:12: 'He was numbered (Greek elogisthē, ἐλογίσθη, 'reckoned/counted') with the transgressors (anomōn, ἀνόμων, lawless ones).' Mark interprets the crucifixion as prophetic fulfillment: Jesus' placement between criminals wasn't accidental but divinely orchestrated.

The theological depth is profound: Christ was 'numbered' (legally counted, judicially reckoned) with lawbreakers. This is the language of substitutionary atonement—He took the sinner's place, bearing the sinner's guilt. 2 Corinthians 5:21 expands this: 'He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.' The Innocent counted among the guilty, that the guilty might be counted among the righteous. The cross reveals the Great Exchange: our sin for His righteousness, our death for His life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Christ, provided the theological framework for understanding the Suffering Servant's atoning death. First-century Jews debated Isaiah 53's interpretation—most didn't apply it to the Messiah. The early church recognized Jesus as the Servant who bore sins and was counted with transgressors. Mark's citation demonstrates the early church's conviction that Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecy, not accidental tragedy but cosmic plan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus being 'numbered with transgressors' inform your understanding of justification by faith alone?
  2. What does the prophetic precision of Isaiah 53 reveal about God's sovereign orchestration of redemption?
  3. In what ways should Christ's bearing your 'transgressor' status affect how you view and treat other sinners?

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

ἐπληρώθη2 of 10

“was fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἡ3 of 10

“which”

G3588

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

γραφὴ4 of 10

“the scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

ἡ5 of 10

“which”

G3588

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

λέγουσα,6 of 10

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Καὶ7 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

μετὰ8 of 10

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἀνόμων9 of 10

“the transgressors”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

ἐλογίσθη10 of 10

“he was numbered”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

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 15:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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