48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
The things which were done - The earthquake, the darkness, and the sufferings of Jesus.
Smote their breasts - In token of alarm, fear, and anguish. They saw the judgments of God; they saw the guilt of the rulers; and they feared the farther displeasure of the Almighty.
And all the people - All were deeply affected except the priests, and those whom they had employed to serve their base purposes. The darkness, earthquake, etc., had brought terror and consternation into every heart. How dreadful is the state of those who, in consequence of their long opposition to the grace and truth of God, are at last given up to a reprobate mind!
And all the people that came together to that sight,.... To see the execution of Jesus; and some of them might be his inveterate enemies, and came to insult him, and did insult him; many of these, though not every individual of them:
beholding the things which were done; the eclipse, earthquake, &c.
smote their breasts; as conscious of guilt, and as fearing some dreadful judgment would fall upon them, and their nation, for this sin of crucifying Christ. The Persic version reads, "they went back, and kneeled down, and prostrated themselves to the ground"; as being in the utmost astonishment, confusion, fear, and dread:
and returned; to the city, and to their own houses, where they might more seriously, and with the greater composure of mind, reflect on these things.
All the people - Who had not been actors therein, returned smiting their breasts - In testimony of sorrow.
*More commentary available at chapter level.