King James Version

What Does Mark 15:36 Mean?

Mark 15:36 in the King James Version says “And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.”

Mark 15:36 · KJV

Context

34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

35

And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

36

And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

37

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

38

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink—The Greek oxos (ὄξος, sour wine/vinegar) was cheap wine-vinegar, standard Roman soldier rations. The spoggos (σπόγγος, sponge) on a kalamos (κάλαμος, reed-staff) allowed reaching Jesus' mouth on the elevated cross. This fulfills Psalm 69:21: 'In my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.'

Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down—After Jesus cried 'Eloi, Eloi' (Mark 15:34), some misunderstood, thinking He called Elijah. Jewish tradition expected Elijah as Messiah's forerunner (Malachi 4:5). The speaker's 'let's wait and see' combines cruel curiosity with callous delay of any relief. They wanted spectacle, not compassion. Ironically, no rescuing Elijah came—because Jesus WAS the Rescuer, accomplishing redemption that moment. God didn't deliver His Son FROM death but THROUGH death to resurrection victory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers typically offered drugged wine to crucifixion victims to dull pain (Mark 15:23), which Jesus refused. This later offer of vinegar may have been mock-compassion or genuine refreshment to prolong suffering. The cheap wine was readily available—soldiers' standard rations. Elijah traditions were strong in first-century Judaism; many expected his miraculous return before Messiah's kingdom. The crowd's speculation about Elijah reflects genuine confusion about Jesus' identity mixed with morbid curiosity about whether divine intervention would vindicate His claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus receiving vinegar (not honor) at His death challenge worldly expectations of how God treats His servants?
  2. What does God's refusal to send rescuing Elijah reveal about the necessity of Christ's completed sacrifice for your salvation?
  3. In what circumstances do you expect God to 'rescue' you FROM difficulty rather than sustain you THROUGH it for greater purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
δραμὼν1 of 20

“ran”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

δέ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶς3 of 20

“one”

G1520

one

καὶ4 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

γεμίσας5 of 20

“filled”

G1072

to fill entirely

σπόγγον6 of 20

“a spunge”

G4699

a "sponge"

ὄξους7 of 20

“of vinegar”

G3690

vinegar, i.e., sour wine

περιθεὶς8 of 20

“put it on”

G4060

to place around; by implication, to present

τε9 of 20

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καλάμῳ10 of 20

“a reed”

G2563

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

ἐπότιζεν11 of 20

“and gave”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

αὐτόν12 of 20

“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

λέγων,13 of 20

“saying”

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

Ἄφετε14 of 20

“Let alone”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἴδωμεν15 of 20

“let us see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

εἰ16 of 20

“whether”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἔρχεται17 of 20

“will come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Ἠλίας18 of 20

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

καθελεῖν19 of 20

“down”

G2507

to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν20 of 20

“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 15:36 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 Mark 15:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 69:21Mark 15:23Luke 23:36John 19:28-30

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