iAsk Question · Create Post - 🔍 Key Points of Debate 📌 The Crucifixion Reed (Matthew 27:48) “And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.” Issue: Calamus: Typically reaches only 1–3.5 feet tall — too short for lifting a sponge to someone crucified on a 7–10 foot-high cross. Cannabis: Can grow over 20 feet tall, offering the necessary structural integrity for this act, aligning with the practical needs of the narrative. Which reed would be the best fit? 📌 The "Reed" as a Scepter (Matthew 27:29) “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!" Observation: A tall, fibrous cannabis stalk more closely resembles a royal scepter than a slender, fragile calamus reed. The symbolism of mocking kingship would be visually more effective with a substantial, upright stalk. View more

The Crucifixion Reed: A Botanical and Symbolic Analysis

The passage in Matthew 27:48 describes a sponge filled with vinegar being offered to Jesus on the cross, held up by a "reed." The specific type of reed has been a subject of debate, primarily focusing on two possibilities: calamus (likely Arundo donax, giant reed) and cannabis. The height and structural integrity of the reed are crucial factors in this discussion, as is the symbolic meaning of the object in the context of the crucifixion narrative.

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Calamus vs. Cannabis: Height and Functionality

The primary argument against calamus (giant reed) stems from its typical height. While Arundo donax can grow to considerable heights, the passage implies a reed capable of reaching the crucified Jesus. Calamus, while capable of growing tall, may not always be the most practical choice for the task described in Matthew 27:48, given the height of the cross and the need to support a sponge. The height of the cross is estimated to be between 7-10 feet, which would require a reed of sufficient length to reach Jesus.

The Reed as a Scepter: Symbolic Interpretation

The second point of contention involves the symbolic role of the reed. In Matthew 27:29, a reed is placed in Jesus's hand as part of the mocking of his kingship. The passage states, "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!" The choice of a reed in this context is significant. A tall, sturdy stalk would more closely resemble a scepter, a symbol of royal authority, than a slender, fragile calamus reed. The use of a cannabis stalk, which can grow to significant heights and possess a more robust structure, would amplify the mockery by providing a more visually impactful representation of a king's scepter.

Conclusion

The debate over the type of reed used in the crucifixion narrative centers on both practical and symbolic considerations. While Arundo donax (giant reed) is a possibility, its suitability depends on the specific height and robustness of the individual plant. Cannabis, with its potential for greater height and structural integrity, presents a compelling alternative, especially when considering the symbolic role of the reed as a mock scepter. The choice of reed significantly impacts the narrative's visual and symbolic impact, influencing how the reader perceives the events surrounding the crucifixion.

Authoritative Sources

Brown, Raymond E. The Death of the Messiah: From Gethsemane to the Grave: A Commentary on the Passion Narratives in the Four Gospels. Doubleday, 1994.↩
Meier, John P. A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus. Vol. 3, Doubleday, 2001.↩

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