Luke 23

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

What does Luke 23:42 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 23:42 is a poignant moment during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where one of the criminals being crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges Him as Lord and asks to be remembered when Jesus enters His kingdom.

This verse is significant because it represents a moment of faith and redemption; the criminal, despite his past and current suffering, expresses belief in Jesus' kingship and His ability to grant salvation.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This event is set during the crucifixion of Jesus, a method of execution used by the Romans.

Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem on a hill called Golgotha alongside two criminals.

The Gospel of Luke presents this scene as a moment of contrast between the two criminals: one mocks Jesus, while the other, mentioned in this verse, seeks His grace.

The acknowledgement of Jesus as "Lord" and the reference to His "kingdom" indicate a recognition of Jesus' spiritual authority and an understanding that His reign transcends earthly life.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is rich with the theme of grace.

It shows that salvation is not earned by deeds but is a gift that can be received even in one's final moments.

The criminal's request, "remember me," is seen by many as a plea for mercy and forgiveness.

In various Christian traditions, this statement is an acknowledgment of the concept of paradise or heaven.

Jesus' response in the following verse (Luke 23:43) also serves as a foundation for the belief in the immediate afterlife for the redeemed.

Practical Applications

The verse underscores the importance of faith and sincerity.

It can inspire individuals to seek forgiveness and maintain hope irrespective of their past actions.

In daily life, it suggests that no one is beyond redemption and encourages acts of mercy towards those who express genuine remorse.

It's also a reminder that acknowledging one's faults and seeking reconciliation can lead to peace, even at the last moment.

Cross-References

Luke 23:43: "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include "μνήσθητί" (mnēsthēti), translated as "remember," which in this context conveys a deeper meaning of "be mindful of" or "do not forget my soul." The word "κυρίου" (kyriou), translated as "Lord," denotes master or sovereign and is a title that ascribes divinity and authority to Jesus. "Βασιλείας" (basileias), translated as "kingdom," refers not to a geographical realm but to a spiritual dominion in which God's will is fulfilled.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various cultures and religions, the moment of death is often seen as a crucial time for seeking forgiveness or making a final declaration of faith. For example, in Islam, the declaration of faith (Shahada) is encouraged as the last words before death.

The narrative of a last-minute conversion or demonstration of faith is not unique to Christianity and parallels can be found in various religious traditions indicating a universal human desire for hope and redemption at life's end.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not address the spiritual or metaphysical aspects of biblical verses. Nevertheless, discussions surrounding near-death experiences (NDEs) can be tangentially related to this verse.

Some individuals have reported experiencing peace or encounters with a divine presence during NDEs, which some people might liken to the criminal's last moment of faith and hope as portrayed in the Bible.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have long commented on this interaction between Jesus and the criminal.

Many emphasize the simplicity and profundity of the criminal's faith, noting that it was devoid of complex theology or good works.

Commentators like John Calvin saw this as a demonstration of divine sovereignty in salvation, showing that God can save anyone at any time.

Matthew Henry's Commentary reflects on this verse as an encouragement to those who repent, emphasizing Jesus' willingness to accept even the most flawed individuals, provided they come to Him with sincere faith.

Luke 23

Luke 23

What does Luke 23:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 23:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?