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.

MARK 15:39KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 15:39 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:39 mean?

Mark 15:39 describes how a Roman centurion, standing near Jesus as He died on the cross, saw the way Jesus cried out and died and declared, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” This statement is a recognition, by a non-Jewish soldier, of Jesus’ unique identity at the moment of His death.

The centurion was a Roman officer in charge of soldiers at the crucifixion site. He had witnessed many executions, but something about how Jesus died—His loud cry and the manner of His death—struck him deeply. The centurion’s words stand out because he was an outsider, yet he recognized something extraordinary about Jesus, echoing a key theme in Mark’s Gospel about Jesus’ true identity being revealed.

The Greek behind Mark 15:39

  • ὁ κεντυρίων (ho kentyriōn, “centurion”): This word refers to a Roman officer, showing that the recognition of Jesus’ identity came from someone outside the Jewish faith and leadership.
  • ἀληθῶς (alēthōs, “Truly”): This word expresses a strong affirmation, as if the centurion is making a firm and sincere declaration, not just a casual remark.
  • υἱὸς θεοῦ (huios theou, “Son of God”): This phrase is significant because it is a title that points to Jesus’ special relationship with God, and here it is spoken by a Gentile, not one of Jesus’ followers.

Why Mark 15:39 matters

  • Mark 15:39 highlights that even those outside Jesus’ own people could see His unique nature, especially in the moment of His death.
  • The verse emphasizes the impact of Jesus’ death, not just His life, as a revelation of who He truly was.
  • This moment connects to a larger theme in Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus’ identity is often misunderstood or hidden, but here it is openly recognized by an unexpected witness.

Where else these words appear

“centurion” Greek G2760 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

“ghost” Greek G1606 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
  • Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

“against” Greek G1727 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
  • Acts 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
  • Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

“Truly” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
  • John 7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.