Was the Wine Mixed With Gall or Myrrh?

ReformedWiki Post

Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning whether the wine that was given to Jesus on the cross was mixed with gall or myrrh. The argument is that Matthew 27:34 says that it was mixed with gall, but Mark 15:23 says that it was mixed with myrrh. However, there is a reasonable explanation that solves this alleged contradiction in the Bible

Scriptures – Was the Wine Mixed With Gall or Myrrh?

The Wine Was Mixed With Gall

offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.

Matthew 27:34

The Wine Was Mixed With Myrrh

And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.

Mark 15:23

The Answer

The Wine Had Both Gall and Myrrh

Myrrh is an aromatic gum that is used to sweeten the smell and taste of various foods. It is likely that the wine already had myrrh mixed in, and then gall was added later. Or, alternatively, both gall and myrrh were mixed in with the wine.

In any case, there is simply no necessary contradiction between Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23.

More Answers to “Contradictions” in the Bible

To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.

These books are also excellent resources:

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