Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:49

"And the rest said, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to save him." — Matthew 27:49 (ASV)

See comment on v.34; the allusion is again Ps 69:21. What is not clear is whether the offer of a drink here is meant as a gesture of mercy or as mockery; its purpose may have been to prolong life and agony, while with false piety the onlookers say they will wait for Elijah to rescue him.