Definition: And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 15:36. It’s a very strange and unsettling part of the Bible, and it's important to understand what it’s trying to convey. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes the agonizing death of Jesus Christ. It’s a crucial moment in the Gospel narrative – the story of his crucifixion. What Happened: A Thief Attempts to Kill Him: A thief, recognizing Jesus as someone who might be important, tries to kill him. The Thief is Stopped: The thief doesn't succeed. He is apprehended and brought before the authorities. The Authorities Decide to Kill Him: The authorities (Roman soldiers) decide that Jesus is too dangerous to be left alone. They decide to have him crucified – a very painful death. What’s the Verse About? This verse, “And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down,” is incredibly symbolic and reflects a very specific, unsettling plan. Here’s what it means: “One ran…” – This refers to the thief who attempted to kill Jesus. “…filled a spunge full of vinegar…” - The thief was instructed to fill a sponge (a container) with vinegar. Vinegar is often associated with death and poison. “…and put [it] on a reed…” – The sponge was placed on a reed, which is a natural material that could be used for a burial shroud or to hold something in place. “And gave him to drink…” – The thief was instructed to give Jesus vinegar and let him drink it. “…saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.” - This is the most crucial part. The authorities are saying, “Let’s see if Elias (a Hebrew name meaning "My God") will come to take Jesus down.” What does this mean? This is a very cryptic and symbolic passage. It's not a literal account of what happened; it’s an attempt to mark the event in a way that would be difficult for anyone else to understand. Here are some possible interpretations, although they remain debated among scholars: A Symbolic Punishment: Some believe this was meant to highlight Jesus’ suffering and foreshadow his ultimate sacrifice. It's like saying "He's about to suffer a great punishment." A Test of Faith: It could represent a trial or test that would eventually lead to the fulfillment of prophecy. A Warning: It might be a warning about the dangers of resisting God’s will. Important Note: The exact meaning and intent behind this verse are still debated by biblical scholars today. It's a complex and mysterious passage that has been interpreted in many different ways throughout history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of the verse further? Provide a brief summary of the historical context?