Definition: And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Bible – Mark 15:19. It’s a really shocking and dramatic scene. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was crucified – meaning he was nailed to a cross. After he died, his followers gathered and, with a lot of grief and anger, killed him. They then took a piece of wood (a reed) and pressed it against his head, and they spat on him. They also made him bow down before them, worshipping him. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And they smote him on the head with a reed…” : This means they hit Jesus with a stick – a reed – to inflict pain. It's a brutal and forceful action. “…and did spit upon him…” : This is a really significant detail. Spitting was a common way to show disrespect or anger in ancient times, and it’s believed this was done by the Romans to express their disgust and contempt for Jesus. “And bowing [their] knees worshipped him.” : This is the most unsettling part. The Romans, who were the rulers of Judea at the time, asked Jesus to bow down before them. Jesus, knowing he was about to be killed, did just that. He bowed his head in submission, acknowledging their authority and showing a humbling gesture. Then, they started to worship him – meaning they saw him as divine and worthy of reverence. What’s the Significance? This passage is incredibly important because it shows: The Cruel Nature of the Romans: It highlights that the Roman authorities weren't simply concerned with Jesus' suffering; they were actively trying to humiliate and desecrate him. Jesus’ Sacrifice: It powerfully illustrates the idea that Jesus willingly endured a horrible death for humanity's sake. He wasn't just dying, he was being treated as a criminal. The Power of Worship: It demonstrates how deeply people could be moved by faith and belief – even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a brutal display of Roman power. However, it’s also seen as a testament to Jesus' sacrificial love and his ultimate victory over death. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The historical context of the event The symbolism behind the actions