Matthew 27:29
New International Version
and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.

New Living Translation
They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!”

English Standard Version
and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Berean Standard Bible
And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Berean Literal Bible
And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

King James Bible
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

New King James Version
When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

New American Standard Bible
And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

NASB 1995
And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

NASB 1977
And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Amplified Bible
And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand [as a scepter]. Kneeling before Him, they ridiculed Him, saying, “Hail (rejoice), King of the Jews!”

Christian Standard Bible
They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and placed a staff in his right hand. And they knelt down before him and mocked him: “Hail, king of the Jews! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”

American Standard Version
And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Contemporary English Version
They made a crown out of thorn branches and placed it on his head, and they put a stick in his right hand. The soldiers knelt down and pretended to worship him. They made fun of him and shouted, "Hey, you king of the Jews!"

English Revised Version
And they plaited a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They twisted some thorns into a crown, placed it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. They knelt in front of him and made fun of him by saying, "Long live the king of the Jews!"

Good News Translation
Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand; then they knelt before him and made fun of him. "Long live the King of the Jews!" they said.

International Standard Version
Twisting some thorns into a victor's crown, they placed it on his head and put a stick in his right hand. They knelt down in front of him and began making fun of him, saying, "Long live the king of the Jews!"

Majority Standard Bible
And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

NET Bible
and after braiding a crown of thorns, they put it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand, and kneeling down before him, they mocked him: "Hail, king of the Jews!"

New Heart English Bible
They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, "Greetings, King of the Jews."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews?

Weymouth New Testament
They twisted a wreath of thorny twigs and put it on His head, and they put a sceptre of cane in His right hand, and kneeling to Him they shouted in mockery, "Long live the King of the Jews!"

World English Bible
They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having plaited Him a garland out of thorns they put [it] on His head, and [put] a reed in His right hand, and having kneeled before Him, they were mocking Him, saying, “Hail, the King of the Jews!”

Berean Literal Bible
And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

Young's Literal Translation
and having plaited him a crown out of thorns they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand, and having kneeled before him, they were mocking him, saying, 'Hail, the king of the Jews.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And having twined a crown of thorns, they put upon, his head: and a reed upon his right hand: and having fallen upon the knees before him, they mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, king of the Jews.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And plaiting a crown of thorns, they placed it on his head, with a reed in his right hand. And genuflecting before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.”

New American Bible
Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

New Revised Standard Version
and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they knelt on their knees before him, and they were mocking him and saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they wound a garland of thorns and placed it on his head and a reed in his right hand and they bowed on their knees before him and were mocking him and saying, “Hail, King of the Judeans!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and when they had plaited a crown of thorn branches, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and kneeling before him, they derided him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews!

Godbey New Testament
and plaiting a crown of thorns put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and bowing the knee to Him, continued to mock Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Haweis New Testament
And platting a crown of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a cane in his right hand: and bowing the knee before him, mocked him, saying, Hail, king of the Jews!

Mace New Testament
then pleating a crown of thorns, they set it on his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, in mockery, saying, hail king of the Jews.

Weymouth New Testament
They twisted a wreath of thorny twigs and put it on His head, and they put a sceptre of cane in His right hand, and kneeling to Him they shouted in mockery, "Long live the King of the Jews!"

Worrell New Testament
and, having platted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and, kneeling before Him, they mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

Worsley New Testament
and having platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they bowed the knee before Him in derision, saying, Hail king of the Jews:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
28They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.…

Cross References
Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

John 19:2-3
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. / And they went up to Him again and again, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapping Him in the face.

Mark 15:17-20
They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. / And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” / They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him. ...

Luke 23:11
And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

Psalm 22:7-8
All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”

John 19:5
When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Psalm 69:19-20
You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace. All my adversaries are before You. / Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

Revelation 19:2
For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

platted.

Matthew 20:19
And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Psalm 35:15,16
But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: …

Psalm 69:7,19,20
Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face…

Hail.

Matthew 27:37
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Matthew 26:49
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Mark 15:18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

Jump to Previous
Bowed Bowing Braided Cane Crown Hail Hand Head Jews Knee Kneeled Kneeling Knees Live Mocked Mockery Mocking Plaiting Platted Reed Right Rod Sceptre Shouted Sport Thorns Thorny Twigs Twisted Woven Wreath
Jump to Next
Bowed Bowing Braided Cane Crown Hail Hand Head Jews Knee Kneeled Kneeling Knees Live Mocked Mockery Mocking Plaiting Platted Reed Right Rod Sceptre Shouted Sport Thorns Thorny Twigs Twisted Woven Wreath
Matthew 27
1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.
3. Judas hangs himself.
19. Pilate, admonished of his wife,
20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.
27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;
33. crucified;
39. reviled;
50. dies, and is buried;
62. his tomb is sealed and watched.














And they twisted together a crown of thorns
The act of twisting together a crown of thorns is deeply symbolic and carries significant meaning. The Greek word for "twisted" (πλέξαντες, plexantes) suggests a deliberate and careful crafting, indicating the soldiers' intent to inflict pain and mockery. Thorns, often associated with the curse of sin from Genesis 3:18, symbolize the burden of sin and suffering that Christ bore. This crown, a mockery of a royal diadem, ironically signifies Christ's true kingship and His victory over sin and death through His suffering.

set it on His head
Placing the crown on Jesus' head was an act of mock coronation. The head, being the seat of thought and identity, signifies the imposition of shame and ridicule. Historically, a crown represents authority and honor, yet here it is used to humiliate. This act fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who bears the iniquities of humanity. Theologically, it underscores the paradox of Christ's kingship—His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

and put a staff in His right hand
The staff, or reed (καλάμου, kalamou), placed in Jesus' right hand, is a mock scepter, symbolizing authority and rule. The right hand is traditionally associated with power and honor. This gesture, intended to ridicule, ironically affirms Jesus' role as the true King and Judge. The staff, a symbol of guidance and protection in Psalm 23, contrasts with the soldiers' intent, highlighting the spiritual authority and shepherding role of Christ.

And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him
Kneeling is an act of reverence and submission, yet here it is done in derision. The soldiers' mockery fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 22:7, where the suffering servant is scorned. This act of false worship highlights the blindness of those who fail to recognize Jesus' true identity. In a broader scriptural context, it foreshadows Philippians 2:10, where every knee will bow to Christ in genuine acknowledgment of His lordship.

saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'
The phrase "Hail, King of the Jews!" is laden with irony. "Hail" (χαῖρε, chaire) is a greeting of respect and honor, yet here it is used sarcastically. The title "King of the Jews" acknowledges Jesus' messianic role, as foretold in the Old Testament, yet it is spoken in mockery. This derision fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's rejection by His own people (John 1:11). Despite the mockery, this proclamation affirms Jesus' identity and mission, as He is indeed the King, not only of the Jews but of all creation.

(29) A crown of thorns.--The word is too vague to enable us to identify the plant with certainty, but most writers have fixed on the Zizyphus Spina Christi, known locally as the Nebk, a shrub growing plentifully in the valley of the Jordan, with branches pliant and flexible, and leaves of a dark glossy green, like ivy, and sharp prickly thorns. The likeness of the crown or garland thus made to that worn by conquering kings and emperors, fitted it admirably for the purpose. The shrub was likely enough to be found in the garden attached to the Praetorium.

A reed in his right hand.--Here also the word is vague, and it may have been the stalk either of a sugar-cane, a Papyrus, or an Arundo. It represented, of course, the sceptre which, even under the Republic, had been wielded by generals in their triumphs, and which under the Empire, as with Greek and Eastern kings, had become the received symbol of sovereignty.

They bowed the knee before him.--We have to represent to ourselves the whole cohort as joining in the derisive homage. The term in Mark 15:19 implies a continued, not a momentary act--the band filing before the mock-king, and kneeling as they passed.

Verse 29. - Platted a crown of thorns. In carrying out their mockery, the soldiers next supply a regal crown. Palestine was a country thickly set with brambles and thorn-growing bushes. They would have no difficulty in finding plants to suit their cruel purpose, and in plucking with their gauntlet-covered bands sprays sufficient to weave into a rude coronet. What was the particular shrub employed cannot be known for certainty. The zizyphus, Spina Christi, a kind of acacia with long reflex thorns, is of too brittle a nature to be used in this way. Some variety of the cactus or prickly pear may be meant. "Hasselquist, a Swedish naturalist, supposes a very common plant, naba or nabka of the Arabs, with many small and sharp spines, soft, round, and pliant bushes, leaves much resembling those of ivy, being of a very deep green, as if in designed mockery of a victor's wreath, 'Travels,' 288" (F.M.). Thorns were the fruits of the primal curse, which Christ, the second Adam, was now bearing, and by bearing removed. A reed in his right hand. By way of sceptre. This must have been a reed or cane of a thick and solid character (see ver. 30, and note on ver. 48). Bowed the knee before him. Doing mock obeisance to him as King. Thus these wretched heathens did that in derision which sonic day all Gentiles shall do in solemn earnest, when "all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him" (Psalm 22:27). Hail, King of the Jews! Doubtless they cried, "Ave, Rex Judaeorum!" in imitation of the "Ave, Imperator!" addressed to the Emperor ot Rome.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they twisted together
πλέξαντες (plexantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4120: To weave together, plait, twist, braid. A primary word; to twine or braid.

a crown
στέφανον (stephanon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4735: A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively.

of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

thorns
ἀκανθῶν (akanthōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 173: A thorn-bush, prickly plant; a thorn. Probably from the same as akmen; a thorn.

[and] put [it]
ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

head.
κεφαλῆς (kephalēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2776: From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.

[They put]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

a staff
κάλαμον (kalamon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2563: A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

right hand
δεξιᾷ (dexia)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1188: On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

knelt down
γονυπετήσαντες (gonypetēsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1120: From a compound of gonu and the alternate of pipto; to fall on the knee.

before
ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen)
Preposition
Strong's 1715: From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).

Him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

to mock
ἐνέπαιξαν (enepaixan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1702: To mock, ridicule. From en and paizo; to jeer at, i.e. Deride.

Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

saying,
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Hail,
Χαῖρε (Chaire)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

King
Βασιλεῦ (Basileu)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews!”
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:29 They braided a crown of thorns (Matt. Mat Mt)
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