Definition: And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark. It’s a really powerful and unsettling part of the Gospel (the story of Jesus’s life). Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is being mocked and abused by some people. They are acting like they're trying to humiliate him, making fun of him, and physically attacking him. Let’s unpack the specific actions: “And some began to spit on him…” – This means they were deliberately throwing things at Jesus - saliva, dirt, even their hands - as a way to show disrespect and anger. “…and to cover his face…” – They were trying to hide his identity, to make him less visible and therefore less important. “…and to buffet him…” – This is a harsh metaphor. It means they were pushing him around, moving him violently, and making him feel uncomfortable. “And to say unto him, Prophesy:…” – This is where it gets really significant. "Prophesy" means a prediction or prophecy. They were asking Jesus to tell them what would happen to him. They were essentially saying, “What will happen to you?” “And the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.” – This is the most shocking part. It's not just physical aggression; it’s a symbolic act of divine punishment. The "servants" are likely Jewish leaders or observers who were acting on behalf of Jesus, and they were striking him with their hands as if to deliver a judgment. It suggests that Jesus was being treated like a criminal, a target for anger and hostility. What does this mean? This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus's crucifixion. It’s a dramatic sign that he’s about to be suffering greatly and ultimately killed. It speaks to the idea that people were actively trying to cause him pain, and that his suffering was not just personal but also a consequence of their negativity and hostility. In short, it describes a scene of intense disrespect and malice directed at Jesus, leading to a divine response – a punishment for those who are causing him harm. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage has been debated for centuries. It’s a complex text with layers of symbolism, so different interpretations exist. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Jesus's life and ministry? Talk about the significance of the image of "servants" striking him?