And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

MARK 10:34KJV
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Mark 10:34 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:34 mean?

Mark 10:34 describes how Jesus tells his disciples that he will be mocked, beaten, spat on, and killed, but that he will rise again on the third day. This verse is a clear prediction by Jesus about the suffering and resurrection he will soon experience.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers as they travel toward Jerusalem. He is preparing them for what will happen to him, listing the specific ways he will be mistreated and then killed. By saying he will rise again on the third day, Jesus is also giving hope beyond the suffering, pointing to his victory over death.

The Greek behind Mark 10:34

  • The word translated "mock" is ἐμπαίξουσιν (empaixousin), which means to ridicule or make fun of. This highlights the public humiliation Jesus would face.
  • "Scourge" comes from μαστιγώσουσιν (mastigōsousin), meaning to whip or flog, a brutal Roman punishment that adds to the severity of what Jesus describes.
  • "Rise again" is from ἀναστήσεται (anastēsetai), which means to stand up or be raised. The Greek here carries the sense of being brought back to life, not just getting up, emphasizing resurrection.

Why Mark 10:34 matters

  • Mark 10:34 makes it clear that Jesus knew in advance the details of his suffering and death, showing his willingness to face them.
  • This verse connects Jesus’ suffering directly to his resurrection, making both parts of a single story rather than separate events.
  • By listing these events before they happen, Jesus prepares his disciples for the shock and confusion they will soon experience, and gives them a reason for hope.

Where else these words appear

“upon” Greek G1716 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
  • Matthew 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
  • Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

“scourge” Greek G3146 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
  • Matthew 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
  • John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

“mock” Greek G1702 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Luke 18:32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.