John 19:3

“And said, hail, King of the Jews! etc.] Some copies before this clause read, “and they came unto him”; and so read the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, Coptic, and Ethiopic versions; that is, they came and prostrated themselves before him; bowed the knee unto him, and addressed him in a mock way, as if he was an earthly monarch just come to his crown, and whom they wished long to live; thus mocking at his kingly office, and despising him under that character, as many do now: some will not have him to reign over them, but reject him as King; and others, though in words they own him to be King, yet disregard his commands, and act no better part than these scoffing soldiers did: and they smote him with…”

“And said, Hail, King of the Jews!--doing Him derisive homage, in the form used on approaching the emperors. "And they spit upon Him, and took the reed and smote Him on the head" (Mat 27:30). The best comment on these affecting details is to cover the face.”

“See the notes at Matthew 27:26-30. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Hail: Mat 26:49, Mat 27:29; Luk 1:28 King: Joh 19:19-22, Joh 18:33 John 19:4”