And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
LUKE 23:46KJVWhat does Luke 23:46 mean?
Luke 23:46 records Jesus’ final words on the cross, where he calls out loudly to God, entrusting his spirit into God’s care before dying. This verse shows Jesus consciously giving himself over to God at the moment of his death.
Jesus is speaking directly to God the Father while being crucified, surrounded by onlookers and Roman soldiers. By saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” Jesus expresses trust and surrender, echoing words from Psalm 31:5. The verse highlights Jesus’ deliberate act of handing over his life, rather than simply succumbing to death.
The Greek behind Luke 23:46
- κράξας (kraxas, “cried”): This word means to cry out or shout loudly. Luke emphasizes that Jesus’ final words were spoken with strength and intention, not weakness.
- παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai, “commend”): This means to entrust or place something into someone’s care. Jesus is actively placing his spirit in God’s hands, showing a conscious and voluntary act.
- πνεῦμα (pneuma, “spirit”): This word can mean breath, wind, or spirit. Here, it refers to Jesus’ life or inner self, which he entrusts to God.
Why Luke 23:46 matters
- Luke 23:46 clarifies that Jesus’ death was a voluntary act of trust in God, not just a physical event forced upon him.
- The verse connects Jesus’ death to Old Testament scripture (Psalm 31:5), showing continuity with Jewish faith and hope in God’s deliverance.
- Luke’s account highlights Jesus’ relationship with God as Father, emphasizing intimacy and trust even in his final moments.