Mat 26:67-68 | PNT | STEP | Then did they spit in his face . The maltreatment recorded occurred between this meeting and the one called to meet at daybreak. Spitting was considered among the Jews an expression of the greatest contempt ( ). Even to spit before another was regarded as an offense, and treated as such by heathen also. Buffeted him . Struck him with their fists.

Matthew 26:67-68

Then did they spit in his face. The maltreatment recorded occurred between this meeting and the one called to meet at daybreak. Spitting was considered among the Jews an expression of the greatest contempt (De 25:9 Nu 12:14). Even to spit before another was regarded as an offense, and treated as such by heathen also.

Buffeted him. Struck him with their fists. Prophesy to us, . . . Who is he that smote thee? We learn from Mark that his face was covered, as a mark that he was a condemned man (Mr 14:65). The age was a cruel one, and Jewish bigots could not be too rough to the condemned prisoner.