Luke 23:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:27 mean?

Luke 23:27 describes how a large crowd, including many women, followed Jesus as he was led to be crucified, openly mourning and expressing deep sorrow for him. The verse highlights the public grief and emotional response of those witnessing Jesus’s suffering on his way to the cross.

In this scene, Jesus is being taken through the streets of Jerusalem after his sentencing. The people following him are not just curious onlookers; the mention of women who "bewailed and lamented" him shows a heartfelt reaction, with loud weeping and mourning. This detail sets a somber tone and emphasizes the impact of Jesus’s fate on those who cared about him, especially the women who often supported him during his ministry.

The Greek behind Luke 23:27

• "Bewailed" (κόπτω, koptō): This word means to beat the breast in grief, a very physical and public display of mourning. It shows that the women were not just sad but were expressing their sorrow in a way that everyone could see and hear.
• "Lamented" (θρηνέω, thrēneō): This word refers to wailing or singing a dirge, often used for funeral mourning. It adds to the sense of deep, communal sadness and loss.
• "Great company" (πλῆθος, plēthos): This word means a large crowd or multitude, emphasizing that many people were moved by what was happening to Jesus, not just a few close followers.

Why Luke 23:27 matters

• This verse shows that Jesus’s journey to the cross was not a private or hidden event; it drew the attention and emotion of a large group, making his suffering a public spectacle.
• The focus on the women’s mourning highlights their unique role as witnesses and supporters of Jesus, even when many others had abandoned him.
• By describing both the crowd and the women’s grief, Luke sets the stage for Jesus’s interaction with them in the following verses, where he addresses their sorrow directly.