And some began to spit on him,.... The men that held him, Lu 22:6, fulfilling the prophecy in Isa 50:6;and to cover his face; with a veil, or linen cloth, to blindfold: him, as a person unworthy to behold the light: or rather, in order to make sport with him:and to buffet him; with their double fists;and to say unto him, prophesy.
The Arabic version adds, "unto us, O Christ, who it is that hath buffeted thee now?" that gave thee the last blow? and to the same purpose the Ethiopic. The Persic version adds, "and deliver thyself";and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
The Syriac version renders it, "on his cheeks": they gave him slaps on the face. These were the officers of the high priest, that used him in this indecent manner.