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.

LUKE 23:33KJV
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Luke 23:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:33 mean?

Luke 23:33 describes the moment when Jesus is brought to the place called Calvary, where he is crucified alongside two criminals, one on each side of him. This verse marks the beginning of the crucifixion, showing Jesus positioned between two others who were also being executed.

In this scene, Luke is narrating the events of Jesus’ crucifixion to his readers. The place called Calvary (from the Latin for “skull”) is the site just outside Jerusalem where Roman executions took place. The verse emphasizes not only Jesus’ suffering but also his identification with criminals, highlighting the humiliation and injustice of his death.

The Greek behind Luke 23:33

  • The word “Calvary” comes from the Greek Κρανίον (kranion), meaning “skull.” This matches the Aramaic name “Golgotha” found in other Gospels, both referring to the same execution site.
  • The word for “malefactors” is κακοῦργοι (kakourgoi), meaning “evildoers” or “criminals.” This word shows that those crucified with Jesus were not ordinary people but were considered serious offenders by the authorities.
  • The phrase “on the right hand, and the other on the left” uses δεξιός (dexios, right) and ἀριστερός (aristeros, left), making clear the physical arrangement, with Jesus in the center.

Why Luke 23:33 matters

  • Luke 23:33 clarifies that Jesus was executed as a criminal among criminals, which fulfills earlier hints in Luke that he would be “numbered with the transgressors.”
  • The detail about the location, Calvary, connects this moment to other Gospel accounts and to the historical reality of Roman crucifixion practices.
  • By mentioning the two criminals, Luke sets up the following conversation between Jesus and the two men, which is unique to Luke’s account and highlights themes of forgiveness and salvation.

Where else these words appear

“left” Greek G710 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“Calvary” Greek G2898 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
  • Mark 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
  • John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

“malefactors” Greek G2557 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
  • Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
  • 2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.