Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 27:48

"And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink." — Matthew 27:48 (ASV)

One of them ran. John says this was in consequence of Jesus saying, "I thirst." (John 19:28). One of the effects of crucifixion was excessive thirst.

Took a sponge. A sponge is a well-known porous substance that easily absorbs water. It was used in this case because, Jesus being elevated, it was difficult to convey a cup to his lips.

Filled it with vinegar. This was the common drink of Roman soldiers. It was a light wine, turned sour, and mixed with water. John says there was a vessel set full of vinegar (John 19:29), probably for the use of the soldiers who watched his crucifixion.

And put it on a reed. John says it was put upon hyssop. The hyssop was a shrub, growing so large sometimes as to be called a tree (1 Kings 4:33). The stalk of this was what Matthew calls a reed. The sponge fastened to this could easily be extended to reach the mouth of Jesus. This vinegar Jesus drank, for it was not intended to stupefy him or blunt his sense of pain, like the wine and myrrh.