And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

MATTHEW 27:39KJV
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Matthew 27:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:39 mean?

Matthew 27:39 describes how people passing by Jesus as He was crucified insulted Him and showed their contempt by shaking their heads at Him. The verse highlights the public humiliation and scorn Jesus faced during His crucifixion.

The scene takes place as Jesus is hanging on the cross, and those traveling by the site—likely ordinary people and not just religious leaders—verbally abuse Him. The act of "wagging their heads" was a common gesture in that culture to show mockery or disbelief, emphasizing how deeply Jesus was rejected and ridiculed by the crowds.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:39

  • "reviled" (ἐβλασφήμουν, G987, transliteration: eblasphēmoun): This word means to insult, slander, or speak evil against someone. In this context, it shows that the passersby were not just making casual remarks but were actively mocking and speaking harshly against Jesus.
  • "wagging" (κινοῦντες, G2795, transliteration: kinountes): This verb means to move or shake, and here it refers specifically to shaking the head. In the culture of the time, this gesture was a visible sign of scorn or derision, making the mockery even more public and humiliating.

Why Matthew 27:39 matters

  • Matthew 27:39 clarifies that the ridicule Jesus faced was not limited to the authorities or soldiers but came from everyday people passing by, showing the widespread rejection He experienced.
  • The verse connects to Old Testament imagery, especially Psalm 22:7, where the suffering servant is mocked in a similar way, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ crucifixion.
  • Understanding the meaning of "reviled" and "wagging their heads" helps modern readers grasp the depth of public shame and isolation Jesus endured in His final hours.

Where else these words appear

“by” Greek G3899 · used in 5 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

“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:

“reviled” 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?

“heads” Greek G2776 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
  • Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,