Biblical Context: Thorns

DB Ryen

In addition to their obvious physical discomfort, thorns represented the curse of sin to Jews. 

Length: Very short, 201 words

Then the soldiers braided a crown from thorns and put it on his head, and they put a stick in his right hand. They mocked him and saluted him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” while they knelt and bowed before him.

The Story of Jesus 33.5

[adapted from Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17-18; Jn 19:2-3]

In addition to their obvious physical discomfort, thorns represented the curse of sin to Jews. Genesis records that the first two people, Adam and his wife Eve, committed the first sin by deliberately disobeying God. Consequently, God banished them from their home and cursed them. Part of this curse was against the earth itself, which became less fruitful and required strenuous labor to produce food. Additionally, thorns began growing along the ground to further afflict them. 


The ground is cursed because of you. You’ll eat from it in pain all the days of your life. Thorns and weeds will grow for you and you’ll eat plants from the field. You’ll eat bread by the sweat of your face until you return to the ground, because you were taken from it. You are dust and you’ll return to the dust.

 – Genesis 3:17-19 

© D. B. Ryen Incorporated, 2019-2025.

Other Topics:

Moses’ Law dictated that a tenth of all income was holy and dedicated to God, to be given as an act of worship. 

The Roman Empire levied various taxes against its subjects throughout its many provinces, specifically a poll or head tax, a land tax, tolls, and a temple tax. 

Scripture passages, illustration, and contextual information are adapted from The Story of Jesus: All Four Gospels In One (Study Bible)