FocusCondemnation and mockery
Connection to the wholeThe proceedings lead to Barabbas' release and Jesus' condemnation, followed by mockery of His kingship.
interpretation Mark 15:19
KJVAnd they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
Read it in context
Jesus before Pilate
Start reading at Mark 15:1 (Mark 15:1 to Mark 15:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The proceedings lead to Barabbas' release and Jesus' condemnation, followed by mockery of His kingship.
- 15:1 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.
- 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.
- 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
- 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
- 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
- 15:6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
- 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
- 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
- 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
- 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
- 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
- 15:12 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?
- 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
- 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
- 15:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
- 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
- 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
- 15:18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
- 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
- 15:20 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 15:1–15:47): Pilate, the chief priests, the crowd, soldiers, the crucified men, women followers, and Joseph of Arimathaea appear in the trial, crucifixion, and burial accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus before Pilate. Read Mark 15:1 through Mark 15:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The proceedings lead to Barabbas' release and Jesus' condemnation, followed by mockery of His kingship. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus before Pilate (Mark 15:1 to Mark 15:20). Start reading at Mark 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 15:1, Mark 15:20, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The soldiers mock Jesus
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- they smote Mark 9:12 Mark 10:34 Mark 14:65 Job 13:9 Job 30:8-12 Ps 22:6-7 Ps 35:15-17 Ps 69:12,19-20
- and bowing Gen 24:52 Gen 43:28 1 Kgs 19:18 Esth 3:2-5 Isa 45:23 Rom 11:4 Rom 14:10-11 Phil 2:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 15
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Crucifixion and death
Mark 15:21–41FocusThe suffering Messiah
Connection to the wholeMockery, darkness, Jesus' cry, and His death bring the passion to its climax, witnessed by the centurion and women followers.
interpretation The burial
Mark 15:42–47FocusWitness to the tomb
Connection to the wholeJoseph's burial of Jesus and the women's observation establish the place to which they return in chapter 16.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.