Gall and Vinegar to Drink
Psalm 69:21 foretold gall and vinegar — offered to Christ on the cross.
David prophesied, 'They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.' Both Matthew and John record this exact treatment given to Christ at the crucifixion.
The Prophecy
"They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."
The Fulfillment
"They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink."
"After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst...they filled a spunge with vinegar...and put it to his mouth."
Two offerings of vinegar
Matthew records the wine mingled with gall offered as a numbing draught — refused by Christ; John records the later vinegar that Christ tasted to fulfill Scripture.
It is finished
John explicitly notes Christ's awareness that Scripture must be fulfilled — every detail of the passion was governed by prophecy, including the cry 'I thirst.'
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jesus fulfill Psalm 69:21?
Yes — the gall and vinegar of the crucifixion fulfilled David's prophecy a thousand years later.
What is the difference between the gall and the vinegar?
Mark 15:23 records the gall mixed with wine offered as a painkiller (refused), while John 19:29-30 records the vinegar accepted just before He said 'It is finished.'
Why does this prophecy matter?
It shows the precision of Old Testament foresight — even the drink offered at Calvary was foretold a thousand years earlier in Psalm 69:21.
Related Bible Prophecies
Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion
David's psalm reads like an eyewitness account of Calvary.
They Shall Look on Him Whom They Pierced
Zechariah foresaw the pierced Messiah — and Israel's future mourning.
Not a Bone Shall Be Broken
Passover law and Psalm 34 foretold an unbroken bone — fulfilled at the cross.
Silent Before His Accusers
Isaiah 53:7 foretold the Lamb-like silence of the Servant at His trial.
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