A.T. Robertson Commentary John 19:29

"There was set there a vessel full of vinegar: so they put a sponge full of the vinegar upon hyssop, and brought it to his mouth." — John 19:29 (ASV)

Was set (εκειτο). Imperfect middle. John, as eyewitness, had noticed it there.

Of vinegar (οξους). Not vinegar drugged with myrrh and gall (Matthew 27:34) which Jesus had refused just before the crucifixion.

Sponge (σπογγον). Old word, in N.T. only here, Mr 15:36; Matthew 27:48, our "sponge."

They put (περιθεντες). Second aorist active participle of περιτιθημ, to place around.

Upon hyssop (υσσωπω).

A reed (καλαμω) as Mark and Matthew have it. The reed of the hyssop bush was only three or four feet long.