Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context and SignificanceVinegar, a sour wine, holds a significant place in the narrative of Christ's crucifixion. This event is recorded in the Gospels and is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, highlighting the suffering and humility of Jesus as He completed His redemptive work on the cross. Scriptural Accounts The offering of vinegar to Jesus is mentioned in all four Gospels, each providing a unique perspective on the event. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written: "There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it" (Matthew 27:34). This initial offering, mixed with gall, was likely intended as a crude form of pain relief, which Jesus refused, choosing to fully experience the suffering of the crucifixion. Later, as Jesus neared death, another offering of vinegar is recorded: "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'... One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink" (Matthew 27:46-48). This act fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 69:21: "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." In the Gospel of Mark, the account is similar: "Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. He put it on a reed and held it up for Jesus to drink, saying, 'Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down'" (Mark 15:36). Here, the vinegar is referred to as "sour wine," emphasizing its common use as a cheap, everyday drink for Roman soldiers and the lower classes. Luke's Gospel provides a brief mention: "The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine" (Luke 23:36). This highlights the mockery and scorn Jesus faced from those who crucified Him. John's Gospel offers a more detailed account: "After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth" (John 19:28-29). This passage underscores Jesus' awareness of fulfilling Scripture and His willingness to accept the vinegar at this point, signifying the completion of His earthly mission. Theological Implications The offering of vinegar to Christ on the cross is rich with theological meaning. It serves as a poignant symbol of the rejection and scorn Jesus endured, even in His final moments. The act of giving vinegar, a common and inexpensive drink, contrasts sharply with the dignity and majesty of the King of Kings, emphasizing His humility and the depth of His suffering for humanity's sake. Moreover, the fulfillment of prophecy through this act underscores the divine orchestration of the events surrounding the crucifixion. Jesus' acceptance of the vinegar in John’s account signifies the completion of His mission, as He declares, "It is finished" (John 19:30), marking the culmination of His sacrificial work for the salvation of mankind. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient world, vinegar was a staple in the diet of Roman soldiers and the lower classes, often used to quench thirst and as a preservative. The sour wine offered to Jesus was likely posca, a diluted vinegar drink commonly consumed by soldiers. This context highlights the humility of Christ, who, though deserving of the finest offerings, was given the drink of the common people in His final moments. The use of a hyssop stalk in John's account is also significant, as hyssop was used in Jewish purification rituals, including the Passover (Exodus 12:22). This connection further emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's death, as the true Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:34,48They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. Nave's Topical Index John 19:29 Mark 15:23 Library Calvary The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross. Fasting, and the Goat Sent Away, were Types of Christ. Christ --Our Substitute Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross. Christ --Perfect through Sufferings Messiah Derided Upon the Cross Christ's Priestly Office Separation to God. Resources Why did Jesus say, “I thirst,” from the cross? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org What were the seven last words of Jesus Christ on the cross and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org Vinegar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |