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In Greco-Roman and Jewish antiquity a so-called nomen est omen principle existed. It played an important role in the mocking of individuals. This article demonstrates that the crucified Jesus might have been mocked because the (messianic) meaning of his name, i.e. “Yahweh saves,” was perceived as a stark contrast to his desolate situation on the cross. The main arguments for this new view are the observations that according to (a) the synoptic crucifixion reports the verb σωζω (= vy) is repeatedly used by Jesus' mockers; and (b) in Mt 27:43 the scribes and Pharisees use a combination of θεóζ and ρνομαι (cf. lxx Ps 21:9) to mock the crucified Jesus. Thus, the mocking words come very close to the meaning and/or sound of Jesus' name. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]