Mark 15:25 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:25 mean?

Mark 15:25 states that Jesus was crucified at the "third hour," which means around 9 a.m. by Jewish timekeeping. This verse marks the specific moment when the crucifixion began, highlighting the historical detail of Jesus’s execution.

In the Gospel of Mark, this detail comes as part of the narrative describing Jesus’s final hours. Mark is recounting the events as they happened, focusing on the timeline of the crucifixion. The mention of the "third hour" helps readers understand the sequence of events on the day Jesus was crucified, showing that the process began early in the morning.

The Greek behind Mark 15:25

• τρίτη (trítē, "third"): This word refers to the third hour of the day, which by Jewish reckoning is about 9 a.m. It gives a concrete time for when the crucifixion started, anchoring the event in a real historical moment.
• ὥρα (hōra, "hour"): This is the standard Greek word for "hour," emphasizing that Mark is giving a precise time rather than a vague part of the day.
• ἐσταύρωσαν (estaurōsan, "crucified"): This verb specifically means "to crucify," referring to the Roman method of execution. Its use here makes clear the manner of Jesus’s death, which was a public and brutal form of punishment.

Why Mark 15:25 matters

• Mark 15:25 clarifies the timeline of Jesus’s crucifixion, which helps readers follow the sequence of events leading up to his death.
• The verse highlights the historical reality of the crucifixion, grounding the story in a specific time and method of execution.
• By noting the exact hour, Mark connects this event to Jewish customs and timekeeping, which can help readers understand the cultural context of the narrative.