A 17th-century depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. Biblical descriptions of a vinegar-soaked sponge at the scene may suggest an act of humiliation, says reader Christopher Gordon
David Musgrove’s observations on Romans using sponges on sticks as lavatory wipes (October) provoke an even more intriguing piece of speculation. The authors of all four of the New Testament gospels include short passages about Christ on the cross having his thirst quenched by an onlooker applying a vinegar-soaked sponge on a rush or stick to his face.
The Greek word for vinegar - - has led on to the suggestion that this could be the cheap wine that was a common drink for the lower classes and soldiery. In Matthew, Mark and John the implication is that the action of the onlooker is one of compassion. But not so in Luke (23.36), where it comes across as yet another piece of mockery. It surely seems plausible that this use of the sponge might represent one final piece of humiliation. John mentions a vessel full of vinegar - but what was the reason for the sponge being there?
