King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:29 Mean?

Matthew 27:29 in the King James Version says “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Matthew 27:29 · KJV


Context

27

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. common hall: or, governor's house

28

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

29

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

30

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

31

And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A crown of thorns (στέφανον ἐξ ἀκανθῶν, stephanon ex akanthōn)—likely fashioned from the Syrian Christ-thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi) with long, sharp spikes. This is the anti-crown, fulfilling Genesis 3:18's curse (thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth)—Jesus wears creation's curse upon his head.

A reed in his right hand (κάλαμον, kalamon)—a mock scepter. Hail, King of the Jews! (Χαῖρε, βασιλεῦ, Chaire, basileu)—parody of the imperial greeting Ave Caesar. Every element—crown, scepter, acclamation—mocks kingship while unwittingly declaring truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The crown of thorns may have been shaped like a radiate crown worn by Hellenistic rulers (rays projecting outward), making the mockery more pointed. Soldiers would have known imperial iconography and deliberately parodied it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus wearing the thorns of the curse reverse what Adam's sin brought into the world?
  2. What is the deeper meaning of Christ receiving mockery and false worship rather than retaliation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

πλέξαντες2 of 28

when they had platted

G4120

to twine or braid

στέφανον3 of 28

a crown

G4735

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

ἐξ4 of 28

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀκανθῶν5 of 28

thorns

G173

a thorn

ἐπέθηκαν6 of 28

they put

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

ἐπὶ7 of 28

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν8 of 28
G3588

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

κεφαλὴν9 of 28

head

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτῷ10 of 28

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

καὶ11 of 28

And

G2532

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

κάλαμον12 of 28

a reed

G2563

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

ἐπὶ13 of 28

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν14 of 28
G3588

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

δεξιὰν15 of 28

right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

αὐτῷ16 of 28

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

καὶ17 of 28

And

G2532

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

γονυπετήσαντες18 of 28

they bowed the knee

G1120

to fall on the knee

ἔμπροσθεν19 of 28

before

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

αὐτῷ20 of 28

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

ἐνέπαιζον21 of 28

and mocked

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

αὐτῷ22 of 28

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

λέγοντες23 of 28

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

Χαῖρε24 of 28

Hail

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

25 of 28
G3588

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

βασιλεῦς26 of 28

King

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῶν27 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων28 of 28

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:29 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 Matthew 27:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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