Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

The “vinegar” was probably the cheap sour wine that the legionnaires drank. Though it provided some refreshment, it was a strong astringent that could contract the throat muscles and prevent the condemned victim from crying out with pain. Just what is meant by “hyssop” is uncertain. The word may describe more than one plant. Perhaps it was the Capparis sicula, a plant that grows on the walls of Jerusalem (see ZPEB, 3:235). The thirst consummated Jesus’ physical suffering. Having passed that stage, he had completed his work and was ready to end his mission.