At what time was Jesus crucified—was it the third hour (9 a.m.) as stated in the Gospel of Mark, or the sixth hour (noon) as mentioned in the Gospel of John?

This question often arises due to an apparent time discrepancy between Mark and John regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. Let us look closely at the relevant passages:

Mark 15:24–25 (ESV)

“And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him.”

According to Mark, Jesus was crucified at the third hour, which corresponds to 9:00 a.m. using the Jewish method of timekeeping, where the day begins at sunrise (approximately 6:00 a.m.).

John 19:14 (ESV)

“Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’”

John seems to indicate that Jesus was still on trial before Pilate at about the sixth hour, which appears to contradict Mark’s account. However, a closer analysis shows that this is not a contradiction but a matter of differing timekeeping systems.

Understanding the Timekeeping Systems

Jewish Time (used by Mark):
The day begins at sunrise (around 6:00 a.m.).
- 1st hour = 7:00 a.m.
- 3rd hour = 9:00 a.m.
- 6th hour = 12:00 noon
- 9th hour = 3:00 p.m.
Roman Time (likely used by John):
The day begins at midnight, like our modern system.
- 6th hour = 6:00 a.m.
- 9th hour = 9:00 a.m.
- 12th hour = 12:00 noon

John’s Gospel was likely written later and intended for a broader Greco-Roman audience. Therefore, John appears to use Roman time, placing Jesus’ appearance before Pilate around 6:00 a.m., after a night of trials and interrogation.

This timing aligns well with Mark’s account:

By 9:00 a.m. (the third hour), as Mark states, Jesus was already on the cross.
Before that, Jesus had been presented before Pilate at around 6:00 a.m., as John notes.

Luke 23:44–46 (ESV) – The Death of Jesus

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”

This passage from Luke confirms:

From noon (sixth hour) to 3:00 p.m. (ninth hour), darkness covered the land.
Jesus died around 3:00 p.m., fulfilling prophetic symbolism (see Amos 8:9–10, Isaiah 53).

Conclusion: No Contradiction—Only Different Clocks

When we recognize the use of different timekeeping systems:

John’s sixth hour (Roman time) = 6:00 a.m. — Jesus is still before Pilate.
Mark’s third hour (Jewish time) = 9:00 a.m. — Jesus is crucified.

The Gospels are consistent when understood in their historical and cultural context. Jesus was crucified around 9:00 a.m., darkness fell at noon, and He died at 3:00 p.m.

Theological Significance

Jesus’ crucifixion at Passover fulfills the imagery of the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7, Exodus 12).
The darkness and tearing of the temple veil symbolize judgment and access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19–20).
The specific timing fulfills God’s sovereign plan and aligns with Messianic prophecy, such as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53.

Final Challenge:
Have you received Jesus as Lord and Savior? The Bible declares that He is coming again (Revelation 22:12), and He will return for a people who are born again and walking in holiness (John 3:3, Hebrews 12:14). Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8–9), but it must be received by faith and repentance.

Will you be among the few who will meet Him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)? The choice is yours—eternal life or eternal separation. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).