And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

LUKE 23:39KJV
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Luke 23:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:39 mean?

Luke 23:39 describes how one of the criminals being crucified next to Jesus insulted Him, challenging Jesus to prove He was the Christ by saving Himself and them from death. This verse shows the criminal’s disbelief and mockery, even in the face of his own suffering.

The scene takes place during the crucifixion, with Jesus on the cross between two criminals. One of these men speaks directly to Jesus, questioning His identity as the Christ (the Messiah) and demanding miraculous rescue. The verse highlights the contrast between the attitudes of the two criminals, setting up the following verses where the other criminal responds differently.

The Greek behind Luke 23:39

  • The word "railed" comes from the Greek ἐβλασφήμει (eblasphēmei, tagged as G987), which means to speak abusively or blaspheme. This shows that the criminal was not just complaining, but actively mocking and insulting Jesus.
  • The term "malefactors" is from κακοῦργος (kakourgos, G2557), meaning an evildoer or criminal. This clarifies that those crucified with Jesus were not just petty thieves but people considered serious offenders.
  • The phrase "If thou be Christ" uses Χριστός (Christos, G5547), the Greek word for "Anointed One" or Messiah. The criminal’s use of this title is sarcastic, doubting Jesus’s true identity.

Why Luke 23:39 matters

  • This verse clears up the common misunderstanding that both criminals mocked Jesus; Luke’s account shows only one did so, while the other responded differently.
  • The verse emphasizes the depth of rejection and scorn Jesus faced, even from those suffering alongside Him, highlighting the isolation and humiliation of the crucifixion.
  • Luke 23:39 sets up an important contrast with the next verses, where the second criminal’s words reveal faith and lead to Jesus’s famous promise of paradise.

Where else these words appear

“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 23:33 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.
  • 2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

“hanged” Greek G2910 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
  • Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
  • Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

“railed” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
  • James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

“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 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • 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;