Book of Matthew - Chapter 27 - Verse 34

When Jesus was on the cross, he was offered vinegar mixed with gall to drink. This act was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 69:21 which foretold this event. The gall was added to the vinegar to make the drink even more bitter and unpleasant. This symbolic act represents the mockery and humiliation that Jesus endured during his crucifixion. The soldiers offered him this drink as a cruel gesture, adding to his suffering and demonstrating their contempt for him. Despite the severe pain and suffering he was already enduring, Jesus chose not to drink the vinegar mixed with gall. This act can be seen as a display of Jesus' ultimate strength and obedience to fulfilling his divine purpose. Through this act, Jesus showed his unwavering commitment to his mission of sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.' is that it fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 69:21 which says, "They gave me also gall for my meat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." This connection highlights the Messianic nature of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion, showing that even the smallest details were foretold in the Old Testament. The act of offering vinegar mixed with gall to Jesus while he was on the cross symbolizes the bitterness and suffering that he endured on behalf of humanity. Additionally, some word studies suggest that the term 'gall' refers to a bitter substance, symbolizing the bitterness of sin that Jesus took upon himself, while the vinegar represents the cheap and sour drink offered to quench his physical thirst. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrificial love and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in his crucifixion.