And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

LUKE 23:37KJV
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Luke 23:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:37 mean?

Luke 23:37 shows people mocking Jesus as he is crucified, sarcastically challenging him to save himself if he really is “the king of the Jews.” The verse highlights the disbelief and scorn directed at Jesus during his final moments.

The speakers here are Roman soldiers, addressing Jesus as he hangs on the cross. Their words are not a genuine question but a taunt, echoing the charge placed above him and the accusations that led to his execution. This moment underlines the humiliation Jesus endured and sets the tone for the surrounding events, where others also mock his claim to kingship.

The Greek behind Luke 23:37

  • βασιλεὺς (basileus) — “king”: The soldiers use this word to refer to Jesus, but in a mocking way, challenging the claim that he is the king of the Jews.
  • σῶσον (sōson) — “save”: This word carries the sense of rescue or deliverance. Here, it is used sarcastically, as the soldiers do not believe Jesus has the power to save himself.
  • εἰ (ei) — “if”: This word introduces doubt, questioning the truth of Jesus’s identity as king. The challenge is not sincere but meant to ridicule.

Why Luke 23:37 matters

  • Luke 23:37 clarifies that Jesus’s claim to kingship was not only rejected but openly mocked by those executing him, emphasizing the depth of his humiliation.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative of Jesus’s trial and crucifixion, showing that both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities dismissed his identity.
  • Understanding the tone and context helps prevent the misunderstanding that these words were a genuine invitation for Jesus to prove himself; instead, they are meant as ridicule.

Where else these words appear

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

“be” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

“save” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

“king” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.