Matthew 27:32

The Crucifixion · Matthew 27:32–44
Read Matthew 27

Translations

Modern
Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
Traditional
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
Literal
And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross.
Latin
Exeuntes autem invenerunt hominem Cyrenæum, nomine Simonem: hunc angariaverunt ut tolleret crucem ejus.

Original

Greek
English
Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

Notes

Usually, the person to be crucified would carry their own cross. They only carried the crossbeam since the vertical pole was already at the crucifixion site. The Romans might have forced Simon to help because Jesus was weak from being whipped. Making Simon help could also have been a way to mock Jesus. They treated him like someone who deserved a servant, even though they led him to his death.

The crowd mocked Jesus, but their words were still true. He is the Son of God, the King of Israel, and the Messiah.

Theme notes and profiles

Prophetic Sign Acts

Events

Parallels

Psalm 22:1–31 Mark 15:21–32 Luke 23:26–43 John 19:16–27

People

Simon: A man who carried Jesus' cross on the way to crucifixion

Places

Cyrene: City in North Africa; home of early Christians

Glossary

Christ Cross Cyrene, Cyrenians Gospel of Matthew Libya, Libyans Passion Procurator Simon Simon of Cyrene

Topics

Carrying the Cross Cross: Carried by Simon Cross: Jesus Crucified On Jesus, the Christ: Is Led Away to be Crucified (From Jerusalem) Jesus, the Christ: Sufferings of Punishments were Inflicted by Soldiers Simon: A Man from the City of Cyrene: Compelled to Carry Jesus' Cross Soldiers: Crucified Jesus The Death of Christ: Inflicted by the Gentiles