Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 27:34

"they gave him wine to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted it, he would not drink." — Matthew 27:34 (ASV)

Vinegar to drink mixed with gall—In Mark 15:23, this is described as “wine mingled with myrrh.” The animal secretion known as “gall” is clearly not what is meant. The word’s meaning is determined by its use in the Greek version of the Old Testament, where it stands for the “wormwood” of Proverbs 5:4 and the poisonous herb mentioned with “wormwood” in Deuteronomy 29:18.

It was clearly a substance that was both nauseous and narcotic, given by merciful onlookers to dull the pain of execution. It was mixed with the sour wine of the country and with myrrh to make it more drinkable. It is probable that the offer came from the compassionate women mentioned by Luke who were following our Lord and lamenting (Luke 23:27). Such actions were among the established “works of mercy” of that time and place.

By tasting it, Jesus acknowledged the kind purpose of the act, but only with a brief recognition. In his refusal to do more than taste, we see his resolute purpose to drink the cup his Father had given him to the very last drop. He would not dull the sense of suffering or the clearness of his communion with his Father with the sleep-inducing potion. We may believe the same drink was offered to the two criminals who were crucified with him.