Question 1

What does Luke 23:47 mean?

Accepted Answer

Luke 23:47 describes how a Roman centurion, witnessing Jesus’ death, openly praised God and declared that Jesus was certainly a righteous man. This moment shows an outsider recognizing Jesus’ innocence and moral character, even as He dies on the cross. The speaker is a Roman centurion, a military officer in charge of soldiers at the crucifixion. He is not a follower of Jesus, but after seeing how Jesus died and what happened around Him, the centurion responds with respect and awe. His statement stands out because it comes from someone outside the Jewish faith, and it highlights Jesus’ blamelessness in the midst of His execution.

Question 2

The Greek behind Luke 23:47

Accepted Answer

"Glorified" (ἐδόξαζεν, edoxazen): This Greek word means to give honor or praise, often used for giving God the recognition He deserves. The centurion’s reaction is not just a casual remark but a public act of honoring God. "Righteous" (δίκαιος, dikaios): This word means just, innocent, or morally upright. The centurion is not simply saying Jesus was a good person, but that He was truly innocent and undeserving of death. "Centurion" (ἑκατοντάρχης, hekatontarchēs): The mention of a Roman officer underscores that even those outside Jesus’ own people could see His innocence and respond to His death in a meaningful way.

Question 3

Why Luke 23:47 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse highlights that Jesus’ innocence was recognized even by those responsible for carrying out His execution, reinforcing the injustice of His death. The centurion’s words connect to a larger theme in Luke’s Gospel, where outsiders and non-Jews often see and acknowledge truths about Jesus that others miss. Luke 23:47 helps readers see that Jesus’ character and the events of His death had a powerful impact on all who witnessed them, not just His followers.

Luke 23:47 (KJV)