Definition: 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!
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 27:29. It’s a really dramatic moment in Jesus’ final moments. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: They’ve Plotted a Crown of Thorns: Imagine Jesus is about to be put to death. The Romans (the rulers of the region) had planned to make it look like he was being punished – a crown of thorns! This meant he would be naked and humiliated, making him look vulnerable. They Put It Upon His Head: They then started placing a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head. It's a symbolic gesture – a sign of disrespect and acknowledging his suffering. A Reed in His Right Hand: They also put a reed (a small, thin stick) in his right hand. This is a very unusual detail. It suggests a final act of defiance or a message to the people. What They Said: “Hail, King of the Jews!”: This is the key part. The crowd, filled with onlookers and likely some followers, shouted "Hail, King of the Jews!" They were mocking him. “King” was a term of respect, but here it's used as a cruel insult – implying he wasn’t really king, but a person who deserved to be punished. What It Means (Overall): This verse shows a moment of extreme betrayal and disrespect. It signifies: Humiliation: Jesus was stripped of his power and dignity. Mockery: The crowd was deliberately cruel and disrespectful, highlighting their anger and perhaps their belief that they were punishing him for something. A Final Act of Rebellion: Putting a reed in his hand suggests he was trying to send a message – perhaps a warning or a final defiance. In essence, it’s a powerful image of how the crowd treated Jesus, demonstrating their anger and disrespect. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Go into more detail about a specific aspect (like the symbolism of the crown)?