Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:2

"And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment;" — John 19:2 (ASV)

The legionnaires who had administered the scourging amused themselves by a crude joke. Knowing that Jesus was called “king of the Jews,” they threw a scarlet cloak about his shoulders, twisted a crown from a thorny vine that grew in the vicinity, and mocked him with the salutation “Hail, king of the Jews!” as they slapped his face.