Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This is Jesus' reply to the repentant criminal crucified beside Him (Luke 23:39-43), who acknowledged his guilt and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.
What Does Luke 23:43 Mean?
Jesus gives a dying criminal a direct, personal promise: that very day he will be with Jesus in paradise. One of the men crucified alongside Him had just acknowledged his own guilt, recognized Jesus' innocence, and asked simply, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Jesus answers immediately, not with a vague hope but with a firm assurance.
"Verily I say unto thee" is a solemn formula Jesus uses to mark His most certain declarations -- this is no mere comfort but a guarantee. The man brings nothing but faith and a humble plea; he has no time to live a changed life or perform any good work, yet Jesus welcomes him fully. "Paradise" is a word for a place of blessing in God's presence, and the promise of "to day" assures the man he will not be forgotten or left waiting in despair. The scene is rich with grace: at His lowest point, suffering and seemingly defeated, Jesus is still receiving the lost and granting them a place with Him. That He calls the man to be "with me" shows the heart of the promise -- the blessing is fellowship with Jesus Himself. For the reader, it offers profound hope that genuine faith, even at the last hour, is met by Jesus' ready welcome.
In the Original Language
"Verily" is amen, a word of solemn affirmation. "Paradise" is paradeisos, a term for a garden or place of blessing in God's presence.
Cross References
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
- Luke 23:42
“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:4
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
- Revelation 2:7
Application
It is never too late to turn to Jesus in faith. The dying man brought only a humble plea, and Jesus welcomed him -- the same welcome stands for anyone who turns to Him.
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