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Mark 15

And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

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

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

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

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

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,

Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

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?

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

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.

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

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

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

Joseph of Arimathaea, and honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

What does Mark 15:22 mean?

Explanation

The verse "And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull." Mark 15:22, describes part of the crucifixion narrative of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

In this verse, Jesus is taken to the location where he will be crucified.

The name "Golgotha" is an Aramaic term that literally means "the place of a skull." This gruesome-sounding name may have been derived from the site's appearance or possibly because it was a place of frequent executions where skulls could be found.

The verse emphasizes the grim reality of crucifixion and sets the stage for the pivotal moment in the Christian narrative: the death of Jesus.

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Historical Context

Golgotha was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem during the first century AD.

According to Roman custom, crucifixions were typically carried out outside city walls and along frequented roads to serve as a public deterrent against crimes.

The site's exact location remains debated among historians, but traditional Christian belief places it at the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in modern-day Jerusalem.

This verse captures the moment just before the crucifixion, a practice used by Romans for severe punishments of criminals, rebels, and those sentenced for high treason.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the crucifixion at Golgotha represents a significant event in Christian belief. For many Christians, it signifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for the atonement of humanity's sins.

Theologians often discuss the manner in which Jesus willingly went to a place of death and suffering as part of a divine plan for salvation.

Different denominations may see the event's purpose in slightly varied ways, but it's universally considered the moment of redemption and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Practical Applications

"Mark 15:22" calls Christians to reflect on the concepts of sacrifice and redemption. In daily life, this can translate to understanding and embracing the difficulties one faces, with the awareness that there can be purpose and hope in suffering.

The verse invites believers to consider their places of 'Golgotha', moments in life that are challenging, and to approach these experiences with courage and faith.

Cross-References

Here are strongly related verses from the King James Version of the Bible:

John 19:17: "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:"
Luke 23:33: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
Matthew 27:33: "And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,"
Hebrews 13:12: "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."

Language Study

Key words in this verse and their meanings are:

"Golgotha" (Γολγοθᾶ): The Greek transliteration of an Aramaic term that refers to the name of the place where Jesus was crucified.

It translates directly to "skull."

"Interpreted" (ἑρμηνευόμενον): This Greek word means "being translated" or "explained," signifying that the name Golgotha needed translation from its original Aramaic for the reader to understand its meaning.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Cultural and religious comparisons to Golgotha can be found in various ancient practices of sacrifice and execution. In pagan religions, sites were often dedicated to specific deities or ritualistic practices.

However, the crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha is distinct in that it is seen as a unique event in history with specific theological implications for sin and redemption.

It contrasts with other religious interpretations that involve cyclical patterns of death and rebirth without the same emphasis on atonement.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on the verse might involve archaeological research on the possible locations of Golgotha and analyzing historical evidence about crucifixion practices during the Roman period.

While this examination is more focused on the physical aspects of the site and event, it does lend context to the narrative and can affirm the historical authenticity of the Gospel accounts.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have interpreted "Mark 15:22" through different lenses.

For instance, some argue that the mention of Golgotha's meaning highlights the gravity of Jesus’ crucifixion and serves as a stark contrast to the triumph of the resurrection to follow.

Others have contemplated the significance of the public display of Jesus' execution in relation to Roman practices of power and authority.

Commentaries also discuss the fulfillment of prophetic scripture in the act of Jesus being crucified outside the city walls, reflecting the theme of ostracism and sacrifice found throughout the Old Testament.

Mark 15

Mark 15

What does Mark 15:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 15:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?