Question 1

What does Luke 23:34 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 23:34 records Jesus, as he is being crucified, asking God the Father to forgive the people responsible for his death because they do not truly understand what they are doing. The verse also notes that the soldiers divided up Jesus’ clothing by casting lots, showing how he was treated as he died. In this scene, Jesus is speaking aloud while nailed to the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and onlookers. His words are directed to God, showing a spirit of forgiveness even in the midst of extreme suffering. The detail about the soldiers gambling for his clothes highlights the humiliation and disregard he faced during his execution.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 23:34

Accepted Answer

ἀφες (aphes, "forgive"): This Greek word means to let go, release, or pardon. Jesus is not just asking for a light pardon but a full release from guilt for those involved in his crucifixion. οὐκ οἴδασιν (ouk oidasin, "they know not"): The Greek here emphasizes a lack of real understanding or awareness, suggesting that those crucifying Jesus do not grasp the full significance of their actions. διαμεριζόμενοι (diamerizomenoi, "parted"): This word means to divide or distribute. The soldiers are not just taking his clothes but splitting them up among themselves, which adds to the sense of Jesus being stripped of dignity.

Question 3

Why Luke 23:34 matters

Accepted Answer

Luke 23:34 clears up the idea that Jesus’ forgiveness is only for those who ask for it; here, he offers forgiveness even to people who have not repented or realized their wrongdoing. The verse highlights Jesus’ consistent message of forgiveness and mercy, even toward his enemies, which stands out in the context of his suffering. By mentioning the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothes, Luke connects this moment to Old Testament prophecies (like Psalm 22:18), showing that these events were part of a larger story.

Luke 23:34 (KJV)