Luke 23:39 Meaning and Explanation
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →One of the crucified criminals joins the mockery, demanding: if you are Christ, save yourself and us.
What Does Luke 23:39 Mean?
Even a man dying the same death finds breath to rail at Jesus. His words mimic the rulers and the soldiers — if thou be Christ — and add a demand: get us out of this.
The cry wants rescue without repentance, escape without trust; it treats the Lord as a last resort to be insulted into action. Suffering by itself does not soften a heart — beside the same Savior, in the same agony, this man hardens. Yet the scene holds hope precisely there: the other thief, hearing it all, is about to answer differently, and his answer will echo forever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:39
What does Luke 23:39 mean?
One of the crucified criminals joins the mockery, demanding: if you are Christ, save yourself and us.