Definition: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 27:30. It's a really shocking and violent part of Jesus’ final moments. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was facing arrest and judgment by the Jewish authorities. They were angry with him because he had spoken against them, challenged their traditions, and even threatened to turn water into blood. They wanted to punish him severely. What Happened Next – The Violent Act: They Spit on Him: As they dragged Jesus away, the crowd began to spit on him. This is a very powerful image - it’s like a collective act of disrespect and scorn. They Took a Reed and Smoted Him: Then, they grabbed a piece of wood (a reed) and began smearing it all over Jesus' head. They were essentially covering his face with this symbol of shame and defiance. What It Means – The Significance: This act is considered one of the most brutal displays of violence in the Bible. It’s a direct consequence of their anger and resentment towards Jesus. Here’s what it symbolizes: Humiliation: It was a complete stripping away of his dignity and power. Rejection: It shows that they weren’t just angry; they were actively rejecting the authority of Jesus. Violence: It's a clear demonstration of their violent intent – they were willing to inflict harm on him. Important Note: The exact details are debated among scholars, but this event is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the Jewish authorities’ final judgment against Jesus. In short, Matthew 27:30 describes a deeply disrespectful and violent act by the crowd after Jesus was arrested – a moment where their anger transformed into something truly shocking. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain its historical context? Discuss the symbolism behind it? Compare it to other acts of violence in the Bible?