Book of Matthew - Chapter 27 - Verse 39

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, there were people who passed by and mocked him, wagging their heads. This action of wagging their heads was a gesture of disdain and mockery towards Jesus, showing their lack of understanding and respect for who he was. In the Bible, this verse serves as a reminder of the cruelty and rejection that Jesus faced during his crucifixion. It highlights the ignorance and hardness of heart of those who witnessed his suffering but failed to recognize his true identity as the Son of God. This verse showcases the ridicule and scorn that Jesus endured as he took on the sins of humanity, ultimately sacrificing himself for the salvation of all. It is a powerful image of the suffering and rejection that Jesus faced on the cross, yet it also serves as a testament to his unwavering love and forgiveness towards those who mocked him.

When examining the verse "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads," a theological interpretation reveals a deeper meaning behind the actions of those who were passing by Jesus on the cross. In this context, the act of reviling and wagging their heads at Jesus likely signifies a lack of understanding and disrespect towards him as the Son of God. The reviling could be seen as a rejection of Jesus's authority and message, while the act of wagging their heads may symbolize derision and mockery. This moment captures the tension between those who believed in Jesus's divinity and those who rejected it, highlighting the conflict between faith and disbelief. Through word studies, the term "reviled" can be traced back to its Greek roots "hubrizo," which conveys the idea of insolence and contempt. Similarly, "wagging their heads" could be linked to the gesture of shaking one's head in disapproval or disbelief, emphasizing the onlookers' disdain for Jesus. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges Jesus faced during his crucifixion, as well as the broader theological implications of his sacrifice for humanity.