John 19:3

And said The best authorities add a graphic touch not given by the Synoptists; and they kept coming unto Him and saying. We see each soldier coming up in turn to offer his mock homage.

Hail, King of the Jews Like the Procurator, they mock the Jews as well as their Victim.

smote him with their hands Literally, gave Him blows, but whether with a rod, as the root of the word implies, or with the hand, as is more probable, we are uncertain (see on John 18:22). The old Latin version adds in faciem.