King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:31 Mean?

Matthew 27:31 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 27:31 · KJV


Context

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.

32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him—the mock coronation concludes. Jesus is re-dressed in his own clothing, which will soon be gambled away (v. 35). Led him away to crucify him (ἀπήγαγον ἀπήγαγον εἰς τὸ σταυρῶσαι, apēgagon...staurōsai)—the journey to Golgotha begins.

The transition from theatrical mockery to judicial execution is swift. The One who clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21) is himself stripped and re-clothed by mockers. He will soon be stripped again at the cross, bearing our shame completely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Condemned men typically carried the crossbeam (patibulum) to the execution site while a placard (titulus) announcing their crime was carried before them or hung around their neck. The vertical post usually remained fixed at the crucifixion site.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was it necessary for the mockery to end and the actual crucifixion to proceed?
  2. How does the pattern of stripping, clothing, and re-stripping foreshadow the burial garments and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 20

after

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐνέπαιξαν3 of 20

that they had mocked

G1702

to jeer at, i.e., deride

αὐτὸν4 of 20

from 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

ἐξέδυσαν5 of 20

off

G1562

to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest

αὐτὸν6 of 20

from 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

τὴν7 of 20
G3588

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

χλαμύδα8 of 20

the robe

G5511

a military cloak

καὶ9 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἐνέδυσαν10 of 20

on

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν11 of 20

from 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

τὰ12 of 20
G3588

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

ἱμάτια13 of 20

raiment

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

αὐτὸν14 of 20

from 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

καὶ15 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἀπήγαγον16 of 20

away

G520

to take off (in various senses)

αὐτὸν17 of 20

from 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

εἰς18 of 20

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ19 of 20
G3588

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

σταυρῶσαι20 of 20

crucify

G4717

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


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 27:31 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 27:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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