And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, you that destroy the temple, and build it in three days,
they.
Psalm 22:7,8,12-14 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, …
Psalm 35:15-21 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: …
Psalm 69:7,19,20,26 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face…
Ah.
Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
Genesis 37:19,20 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh…
Matthew 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
shaking their heads
Shaking the head was a gesture of derision and scorn in ancient Jewish culture, as seen in Job 16:4 and Psalm 109:25. This physical expression of contempt further fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 22:7, where it is foretold that the suffering servant would be mocked in such a manner. It signifies the disbelief and rejection of Jesus' claims by the onlookers.
and saying, “Aha!
The exclamation "Aha!" is an expression of triumph and mockery, indicating that the onlookers believed they were witnessing the failure of Jesus' mission. This taunt reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings and mission, as they perceived His crucifixion as a defeat rather than the fulfillment of His redemptive work.
You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
This phrase refers to Jesus' statement in John 2:19, where He spoke metaphorically of His body as the temple. The onlookers misinterpreted His words as a literal threat against the physical temple in Jerusalem. This misunderstanding highlights the spiritual blindness of the people and their inability to grasp the deeper meaning of Jesus' prophecy, which pointed to His death and resurrection. The reference to the temple also connects to the theme of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, replacing the temple's sacrificial system with His own body.
• Jesus is crucified along a public roadway (John 19:20), so ordinary travelers see Him.
• The scene fulfills Psalm 22:7, where bystanders deride the suffering righteous one.
• Their presence highlights that the rejection of Christ is not limited to rulers; the crowds who once shouted “Hosanna” (Mark 11:9) now silently allow mockery.
• Verbal cruelty was foretold—“they will mock Him” (Mark 10:34).
• Abuse magnifies His voluntary endurance; He “did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23).
• The taunts show hardened hearts that ignore the miracles and love He displayed (Acts 2:22).
• A biblical gesture of contempt (Psalm 109:25; Lamentations 2:15).
• Their body language says, “You’re finished,” yet God’s plan is advancing (Isaiah 53:10).
• It contrasts with believers who later behold Him with worshipful awe (Matthew 28:17).
• “Aha” is an exclamation of triumphant scorn (Psalm 40:15).
• They believe the cross disproves His claims, but it actually confirms them (Luke 24:26).
• Mockery cannot overturn truth; God turns their sneer into a proclamation of victory (Colossians 2:15).
• They quote His words from John 2:19 (misunderstood at His trial, Mark 14:58).
• Jesus spoke of His body as the true temple; the resurrection will “raise it” on the third day (John 2:21).
• Ironically, their mockery proclaims the gospel: the crucified Christ will rise, inaugurating the new covenant temple—the church (Ephesians 2:19-22).
• Their unbelief fulfils prophecy and underscores the contrast between earthly temples and the living Temple who stands before them (Revelation 21:22).
Mark 15:29 portrays passers-by ridiculing Jesus with words and gestures that echo Old Testament prophecies. While they intend insult, their very taunts affirm the Scriptures and point to the coming resurrection. The mockery of the crowd showcases human unbelief, yet God uses it to declare that in three days the true Temple will indeed be rebuilt—alive and triumphant.
(29) Ah.--The interjection, which in its Greek form expresses a kind of inarticulate scorn, is peculiar to St. Mark, and may be noted as another instance of his habit of reproducing the very sounds that had been uttered.Verses 29, 30. - And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads. Here was another fulfillment of prophecy, and other aggravation of the misery of Christ. "All they that see me laugh me to scorn they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, seeing he delighteth in him" (Psalm 22:7, 8). The torment of crucifixion itself was terrible; but it was a still greater torment to the Crucified to be insulted in his agony. Our Lord may well have had these words in his mind, '"They persecute him whom thou hast smitten, and they tell of the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded" (Psalm 69:26). They that passed by. Calvary was probably near to one of the thoroughfares leading to the city; so that there would be a continual stream of persons passing to and fro; more especially at this time, when Jerusalem was thronged with visitors. And no doubt the words of the accusation against him in its incorrect form would pass freely from mouth to mouth, Ha! thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If you could make such a boast as this, show your power by coming down from the cross.