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,

MARK 15:29KJV
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Mark 15:29 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:29 mean?

Mark 15:29 describes people passing by the crucified Jesus, mocking him by shaking their heads and taunting him about his claim to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. The verse shows the public scorn Jesus faced as he was dying.

The scene takes place as Jesus is on the cross, and the people walking by are not just silent observers—they actively insult him. Their words refer to something Jesus was accused of saying about the temple, twisting his earlier statement into a taunt. The act of "wagging their heads" was a common gesture of contempt or ridicule in that culture, highlighting how deeply he was being mocked.

The Greek behind Mark 15:29

  • "Railed" (βλασφημέω, G987, blasphēmeō): This word means to speak abusively or insultingly. In this verse, it shows that the people were not just making casual comments but were openly ridiculing Jesus in a harsh way.
  • "Wagging" (κινέω, G2795, kineō): This word means to move or shake, often used for shaking the head in scorn. The gesture adds a physical sign of disrespect to their words.
  • "Ah" (οὐά, G3758, oua): This is an exclamation of mockery or derision, not just a neutral "ah" but a sneering sound meant to ridicule.
  • "Destroyest" (καταλύω, G2647, katalyō): This word means to tear down or demolish. The people are referencing the accusation that Jesus claimed he could destroy the temple, using it as a way to mock his apparent powerlessness.

Why Mark 15:29 matters

  • Mark 15:29 highlights the depth of public rejection and humiliation Jesus experienced, not just from authorities but from ordinary people passing by.
  • The verse connects back to earlier accusations against Jesus about the temple, showing how his words were misunderstood or twisted by his opponents.
  • This moment fulfills Old Testament imagery of the suffering righteous one being mocked, adding to the sense that Jesus' suffering was both physical and deeply social.

Where else these words appear

“by” Greek G3899 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
  • Mark 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
  • Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

“wagging” Greek G2795 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
  • Acts 24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

“destroyest” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“railed” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
  • James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?