They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. S. Matt. says mixed with gall; for gall is here used for bitterness, and wine that has myrrh in it is a very strong bitter; although, perhaps, both gall and myrrh might have been ingredients to increase the bitterness. Saint Augustine.—Or, in the confusion that was occasioned, some might have offered him one thing, some another; one person giving vinegar and gall, another wine mixed with myrrh. Theophy.—Wine mingled with myrrh may perhaps be used for vinegar. Saint Jerome—This was given to criminals, to lessen their torments. Our Lord was pleased to taste the bitterness, but he would not permit the relief which the admittance of the same into his stomach might have afforded. Thus also were the scriptures fulfilled: they gave me gall for my food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Psalms 68. Ven. Bede.