Was set (εκειτο). Imperfect middle. John, as eyewitness, had noticed it there.

Of vinegar (οξους). Not vinegar drugged with myrrh (Mark 15:23) and gall (Matthew 27:34) which Jesus had refused just before the crucifixion.

Sponge (σπογγον). Old word, in N.T. only here, Mark 15:36; Matthew 27:48, our "sponge."

They put (περιθεντες). Second aorist active participle of περιτιθημ, to place around.

Upon hyssop (υσσωπω).

A reed (καλαμω) as Mark and Matthew have it. The reed of the hyssop bush was only three or four feet long.