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The passage in Matthew 27:48 describes a sponge soaked in vinegar being offered to Jesus on the cross, using a "reed" to lift it. The type of reed used has been a subject of debate, with two primary contenders: Calamus and Cannabis. The height and structural integrity of the plant are crucial factors in determining which is more likely. The text also mentions a "reed" being used as a scepter in Matthew 27:29, further complicating the interpretation.
The primary issue revolves around the practicalities of the crucifixion scene. A reed used to offer a drink to someone on a cross needs to be long enough to reach the person. The height of the cross is estimated to be between 7-10 feet.[1]
Considering the height of the cross and the need for a plant with sufficient length and structural integrity, the cannabis plant is the more plausible option. Calamus typically grows to a height that is insufficient for this purpose.[2] Cannabis, on the other hand, can grow to over 20 feet, providing both the necessary length and the strength to support a sponge. The use of a cannabis stalk as a scepter would also align with the narrative's mocking of Jesus' kingship, as a tall, robust stalk would more closely resemble a royal scepter than a slender Calamus reed.
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