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.