And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

LUKE 23:35KJV
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Luke 23:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:35 mean?

Luke 23:35 describes how, as Jesus was on the cross, the people watched and the religious leaders mocked him, saying that if he truly was the Christ chosen by God, he should save himself as he had saved others. The verse highlights the public humiliation and disbelief Jesus faced from both the crowd and the authorities during his crucifixion.

The scene takes place at the crucifixion, with Jesus on the cross and a crowd gathered to watch. The "rulers" mentioned are the Jewish religious leaders, who openly ridicule Jesus by questioning his identity as the Christ (the Messiah) and God's chosen one. Their words are meant to taunt, pointing out that Jesus, who was known for helping others, now appears powerless to help himself.

The Greek behind Luke 23:35

  • The word for "derided" (ἐξεμυκτήριζον, exemyktērizon) means to sneer or mock with contempt, showing that the rulers were not just doubting but actively ridiculing Jesus in front of others.
  • "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) is the Greek word for "anointed one" or "Messiah," emphasizing that the leaders are challenging Jesus' claim to this title.
  • "Chosen" (ἐκλεκτός, eklektos) means specially selected or favored, so calling Jesus "the chosen of God" is both a taunt and a test of his supposed special status.

Why Luke 23:35 matters

  • This verse shows the depth of rejection Jesus experienced, not just from the authorities but in front of the watching public, highlighting the loneliness and shame of the crucifixion.
  • The leaders' mockery connects to earlier parts of Luke, where Jesus' identity as the Christ and God's chosen one is a central theme, now being questioned at his lowest moment.
  • The contrast between Jesus' past acts of saving others and his apparent inability to save himself points to the paradox at the heart of the crucifixion: the one who saves is not saved from suffering.

Where else these words appear

“derided” Greek G1592 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

“chosen” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“rulers” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

“beholding” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.