Mark 15:21 Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

◄ Mark 15:21 ►

New International Version
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

New Living Translation
A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)

English Standard Version
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, coming from the country, that he might carry His cross.

King James Bible
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

New King James Version
Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.

New American Standard Bible
And they compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.

NASB 1995
They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.

NASB 1977
And they pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they pressed into service a passer-by coming from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.

Amplified Bible
They forced into service a passer-by coming in from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.

Christian Standard Bible
They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’ cross. He was Simon, a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

American Standard Version
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.

Contemporary English Version
Simon from Cyrene happened to be coming in from a farm, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.

English Revised Version
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man named Simon from the city of Cyrene was coming [into Jerusalem] from his home in the country. He was the father of Alexander and Rufus. As he was about to pass by, the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross.

Good News Translation
On the way they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was from Cyrene and was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)

International Standard Version
They forced a certain passer-by named Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who happened to be coming in from the country, to carry Jesus' cross.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

NET Bible
The soldiers forced a passerby to carry his cross, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus).

New Heart English Bible
And they forced one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might carry his cross.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they constrain one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Weymouth New Testament
One Simon, a Cyrenaean, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing along, coming from the country: him they compelled to carry His cross.

World English Bible
They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they impress a certain one passing by—Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus—that he may carry His cross,

Berean Literal Bible
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, coming from the country, that he might carry His cross.

Young's Literal Translation
And they impress a certain one passing by -- Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus -- that he may bear his cross,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they constrain a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, passing by, coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, that he might take up his cross.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up his cross.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they compelled a certain passerby, Simon the Cyrenian, who was arriving from the countryside, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his cross.

New American Bible
They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

New Revised Standard Version
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they compelled one who was passing by, Simon the Cyrenian, who was coming from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they detained one who was passing by, Shimeon, a Cyrenian, who had come from the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to take up his cross.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And they compelled one Simon, a Cyrenian, (the father of Alexander and Rufus,) who was passing by, coming in from the country, to bear his cross.

Godbey New Testament
And they compel a certain Simon, a Cyrenean, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, that he must take His cross.

Haweis New Testament
And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming out of the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Mace New Testament
one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he pass'd by in his return out of the country, was compell'd to carry the cross.

Weymouth New Testament
One Simon, a Cyrenaean, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing along, coming from the country: him they compelled to carry His cross.

Worrell New Testament
And they impress one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.

Worsley New Testament
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was passing by, coming out of the country, to carry his cross:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Crucifixion
20After they had mocked Him, they removed the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him. 21Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. 22They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 27:32
Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

Luke 23:26
As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

John 19:17
Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

Romans 16:13
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Genesis 22:6
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.

Exodus 12:21-22
Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. / Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.

Numbers 15:32-36
While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. / Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, / and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. ...

1 Kings 19:19
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.

2 Kings 4:29
So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

Psalm 22:16
For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.

Psalm 69:7-9
For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face. / I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons, / because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

Treasury of Scripture

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

they compel.

Matthew 27:32
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Luke 23:26
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

a Cyrenian.

Acts 2:10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 6:9
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 11:20
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

and Rufus.

Romans 16:13
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

to bear.

Luke 14:27
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

John 15:18-20
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you…

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Alexander Bear Carry Compel Compelled Constrain Country Cross Cyrenaean Cyrene Cyre'ne Cyrenian Impress Passed Passer-By Passing Pressed Rufus Service Simon Way

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Mark 15

1. Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.
6. Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,
12. and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.
16. He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;
21. faints in bearing his cross;
27. hangs between two thieves;
29. suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;
39. but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;
42. and is honorably buried by Joseph.

Berean Study Bible

Now Simon of Cyrene
The mention of "Simon of Cyrene" introduces us to a man from Cyrene, a city in modern-day Libya, North Africa. Cyrene had a significant Jewish population, and Simon was likely a Jew who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover. The name "Simon" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "he has heard," which is fitting as Simon becomes an unexpected participant in the fulfillment of prophecy. His presence in this narrative highlights the global reach of the Gospel, as even those from distant lands are drawn into the account of Christ.

the father of Alexander and Rufus
This phrase provides a personal touch, indicating that Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, were known to the early Christian community. The mention of their names suggests that they were likely believers and possibly prominent figures in the church. In Romans 16:13, Paul greets a Rufus, who is "chosen in the Lord," which may refer to Simon's son. This connection underscores the impact of Simon's encounter with Jesus, not only on his life but also on his family's spiritual legacy.

was passing by on his way in from the country
Simon was "passing by," indicating that he was not initially part of the crowd following Jesus. He was "on his way in from the country," suggesting that he was entering Jerusalem, possibly for the Passover celebration. This detail emphasizes the unexpected nature of his involvement in the crucifixion narrative. It serves as a reminder that God often calls us to significant roles in His plans when we least expect it, turning ordinary moments into divine appointments.

and they forced him
The Roman soldiers "forced" Simon to carry the cross, a common practice when a condemned person was unable to bear the weight. The Greek word used here, "aggareuo," implies compulsion and authority, reflecting the oppressive power of the Roman occupiers. This act of coercion, however, becomes a moment of profound significance, as Simon is given the privilege of bearing the cross of Christ, symbolizing the call for all believers to take up their cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).

to carry the cross
The cross, a symbol of shame and suffering, becomes a powerful emblem of salvation and redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Simon's act of carrying the cross foreshadows the call to discipleship, where believers are invited to share in Christ's sufferings and glory. This moment also highlights the humanity of Jesus, who, in His weakened state, required assistance, reminding us of His full identification with our human frailty. Simon's participation in this pivotal event serves as an inspiration for believers to embrace their own crosses with faith and obedience.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) The father of Alexander and Rufus.--The fact recorded here, and not elsewhere, is one of the most striking instances of the independent character of St. Mark's Gospel. It is clear that it had a special interest for himself and the readers for whom he wrote; what that interest was we can only conjecture. The two names were so common that we cannot arrive at more than a probable identification, but the mention of a "Rufus chosen in the Lord" as prominent among the Christians of Rome (Romans 16:13), taken together with the evidence which connects St. Mark's Gospel with that Church (see Introduction), tends to the conclusion that he was one of the two brothers thus mentioned. But if so, then we are led on to some other facts of no slight interest. St. Paul speaks of the mother of Rufus as being also his mother--i.e., endeared to him by many proofs of maternal kindness--and so we are led to the belief that the wife of Simon of Cyrene must, at some time or other, at Antioch or Corinth, and afterwards at Rome, have come within the inner circle of St. Paul's friends. This, in its turn, connects itself with the prominence given to "men of Cyrene" in St. Luke's account of the foundation of the Gentile Church of Antioch (Acts 11:20). (See Note on Matthew 27:20.)

(21-38) See Notes on Matthew 27:32-51.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - And they compel one passing by Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. It seems from St. Matthew (Matthew 27:32) that our Savior bore his own cross from the palace to the gate of the city. The tablet, with the inscription afterwards attached to the cross, would be carried before him; and a certain number of soldiers would be appointed to go with him to the place of execution, and to see the sentence carried out. Having passed out through the gate of the city, they met one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they compel him (ἀγγαρεύουσι); literally, they impress him. The Cyrenians had a synagogue in Jerusalem (Acts 6:9), and this Simon may probably have been one of those who had come up to keep the Passover. He must have been a Hellenistic Jew, a native of Cyrene, on the north coast of Africa. Alexander and Rufus, his sons, were no doubt, at the time when St. Mark wrote his Gospel, well-known disciples of our Lord. St. Paul, writing to the Romans (Romans 16:13), sends a special salutation to Rufus, "chosen in the Lord, and his mother, and mine;" a delicate recognition by St. Paul of something like maternal care bestowed upon him by the mother of Rufus. It is probable that his father Simon, and perhaps his brother Alexander, may have been dead by this time. Rufus is also honorably mentioned by Polycarp in his Epistle to the Philippians. There is a tradition, mentioned by Cornelius a Lapide, that Rufus became a bishop in Spain, and that Alexander suffered martyrdom. To go with them, that he might bear his cross. St. Luke (Luke 23:26) adds the touching words, "to bear it after Jesus (φέρειν ὔπισθεν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ)."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Now]
τινα (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

Simon
Σίμωνα (Simōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

of Cyrene,
Κυρηναῖον (Kyrēnaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2956: Belonging to Cyrene, a Cyrenaean. From Kurene; i.e. Cyrenaean, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyrene.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

father
πατέρα (patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

of Alexander
Ἀλεξάνδρου (Alexandrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 223: From the same as alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Rufus,
Ῥούφου (Rhouphou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4504: Of Latin origin; red; Rufus, a Christian.

was passing by
παράγοντά (paragonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3855: To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.

on his way in
ἐρχόμενον (erchomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the country,
ἀγροῦ (agrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 68: From ago; a field; genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e. Hamlet.

and
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the soldiers] forced [him]
ἀγγαρεύουσιν (angareuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 29: Of foreign origin; properly, to be a courier, i.e. to press into public service.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

carry
ἄρῃ (arē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

cross
σταυρὸν (stauron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

of [Jesus].
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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NT Gospels: Mark 15:21 They compelled one passing by coming (Mar Mk Mr)