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Selected Verse: Matthew 27:48 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Mt 27:48	Strong Concordance	And [2532] straightway [2112] one [1520] of [1537] them [846] ran [5143], and [2532] took [2983] a spunge [4699], and [5037] filled [4130] it with vinegar [3690], and [2532] put it on [4060] a reed [2563], and gave [4222] him [846] to drink [4222].
	King James	And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
One of them ran - John Joh 19:28 says that this was in consequence of Jesus' saying "I thirst." One of the effects of crucifixion was excessive thirst. Took a sponge - A sponge is a well-known porous substance that easily absorbs water. It was used in this case because, Jesus being elevated, it was difficult to convey a cup to his lips. Filled it with vinegar - This was the common drink of Roman soldiers. It was a light wine, turned sour and mixed with water. John says Joh 19:29 there was a vessel set full of vinegar, probably for the use of the soldiers who watched his crucifixion. And put it on a reed - John says it was put upon "hyssop." The "hyssop" was a "shrub," growing so large sometimes as to be called a "tree," Kg1 4:33. The stalk of this was what Matthew calls a "reed." The sponge fastened to this could easily be extended to reach the mouth of "Jesus." This vinegar Jesus drank, for it was not intended to "stupefy" him or blunt his sense of pain, like the "wine" and myrrh.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

One of them ran - John Joh 19:28 says that this was in consequence of Jesus' saying "I thirst." One of the effects of crucifixion was excessive thirst.

Took a sponge - A sponge is a well-known porous substance that easily absorbs water. It was used in this case because, Jesus being elevated, it was difficult to convey a cup to his lips.

Filled it with vinegar - This was the common drink of Roman soldiers. It was a light wine, turned sour and mixed with water. John says Joh 19:29 there was a vessel set full of vinegar, probably for the use of the soldiers who watched his crucifixion.

And put it on a reed - John says it was put upon "hyssop." The "hyssop" was a "shrub," growing so large sometimes as to be called a "tree," Kg1 4:33. The stalk of this was what Matthew calls a "reed." The sponge fastened to this could easily be extended to reach the mouth of "Jesus." This vinegar Jesus drank, for it was not intended to "stupefy" him or blunt his sense of pain, like the "wine" and myrrh.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Vinegar (ὄξους) Sour wine; the posca or ordinary drink of the Roman soldiers. Gave him to drink (ἐπότιζεν) The imperfect tense implies was in the act of giving, or about to give. At this point the Jews standing near interposed, saying, Let be (ἄφες)! "Stop! Do not give him the drink. Let us see if Elijah will come to his aid."

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Vinegar (ὄξους)

Sour wine; the posca or ordinary drink of the Roman soldiers.

Gave him to drink (ἐπότιζεν)

The imperfect tense implies was in the act of giving, or about to give. At this point the Jews standing near interposed, saying, Let be (ἄφες)! "Stop! Do not give him the drink. Let us see if Elijah will come to his aid."

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
One taking a sponge, filled it with vinegar - Vinegar and water was the usual drink of the Roman soldiers. It does not appear, that this was given him in derision, but rather with a friendly design, that he might not die before Elijah came. Joh 19:28.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

One taking a sponge, filled it with vinegar - Vinegar and water was the usual drink of the Roman soldiers. It does not appear, that this was given him in derision, but rather with a friendly design, that he might not die before Elijah came. Joh 19:28.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Took a sponge - This being the most convenient way to reach a liquid to his mouth; tied it on a reed, that they might be able to reach his lips with it. This reed, as we learn from St. John, was a stalk of hyssop, which, in that country, must have grown to a considerable magnitude. This appears also to have been done in mercy, to alleviate his sufferings. See Mat 27:34.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

Took a sponge - This being the most convenient way to reach a liquid to his mouth; tied it on a reed, that they might be able to reach his lips with it. This reed, as we learn from St. John, was a stalk of hyssop, which, in that country, must have grown to a considerable magnitude. This appears also to have been done in mercy, to alleviate his sufferings. See Mat 27:34.

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