Luke 23:43 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →To a dying criminal who simply asked to be remembered, Jesus promises a place with Him that very day.
The Context of Luke 23:43
Spoken from the cross to one of the two criminals crucified beside Jesus. That man had just rebuked the other, admitted his own guilt, and said, 'Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom' (Luke 23:40-42). This is Jesus' answer.
What Does Luke 23:43 Mean?
The man beside Jesus had nothing to offer. He was guilty by his own admission, nailed up for his crimes, with no time left to mend his life or do a single good work. All he had was a humble request: remember me. Jesus answers with far more than the man asked. The promise comes for that very day, and it is to be 'with me'. In his final hours, a condemned criminal received the surest welcome in all the Gospels.
Here is the heart of grace, laid bare at the place of death. Salvation came to this man as a gift, the moment he turned to Jesus with empty hands. He could not earn paradise and Jesus did not ask him to; the promise rested entirely on being 'with me', with Christ. That same door stands open to anyone, however late, however undeserving, who turns to Jesus and asks. He is the welcome we could never earn.
Luke 23:43 in the Original Language
paradeisos (παράδεισος), 'paradise' -- a walled garden or park; a picture of restored nearness to God, blessed life in His presence.
How to Apply Luke 23:43 Today
No one is ever too far gone or too late for Jesus. This man came with nothing but a plea, and received paradise. We can come the same way, with empty hands, and find the same welcome waiting in Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:43
What does Luke 23:43 mean?
To a dying criminal who simply asked to be remembered, Jesus promises a place with Him that very day.
What is the context of Luke 23:43?
Spoken from the cross to one of the two criminals crucified beside Jesus. That man had just rebuked the other, admitted his own guilt, and said, 'Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom' (Luke 23:40-42). This is Jesus' answer.
How can I apply Luke 23:43 today?
No one is ever too far gone or too late for Jesus. This man came with nothing but a plea, and received paradise. We can come the same way, with empty hands, and find the same welcome waiting in Him.