Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

LUKE 23:47KJV
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Luke 23:47 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:47 mean?

Luke 23:47 describes how a Roman centurion, after witnessing Jesus’ death, praised God and declared that Jesus was certainly a righteous man. This moment shows a non-Jewish authority figure recognizing something extraordinary about Jesus at the crucifixion.

The centurion is a Roman officer who had just watched Jesus die on the cross. In the chaos and darkness surrounding Jesus’ death, the centurion’s reaction stands out: he openly acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and moral character. This statement comes from someone outside Jesus’ followers, highlighting the impact of Jesus’ death even on those who were not expecting a Messiah.

The Greek behind Luke 23:47

  • "Glorified" (ἐδόξαζεν, edoxazen): This Greek word means to give honor or praise. The centurion’s response is not just an observation but an act of reverence toward God, which is striking coming from a Roman soldier.
  • "Righteous" (δίκαιος, dikaios): This word means just, innocent, or morally upright. The centurion is not calling Jesus a king or a prophet here, but affirming his innocence and goodness, which contrasts with the accusations that led to Jesus’ execution.
  • "Certainly" (ὄντως, ontōs): This word adds emphasis, showing the centurion’s conviction. He is not expressing doubt but a strong, clear realization about Jesus’ character.

Why Luke 23:47 matters

  • Luke 23:47 highlights that even those outside the Jewish faith, and even those involved in Jesus’ execution, could see his innocence and respond with awe.
  • The centurion’s words contrast with the actions of the religious leaders and the crowd, emphasizing Jesus’ unjust treatment.
  • This verse connects to Luke’s broader theme of outsiders recognizing the truth about Jesus, showing that his significance reaches beyond traditional boundaries.

Where else these words appear

“Certainly” Greek G3689 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
  • 1 Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

“centurion” Greek G1543 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
  • Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
  • Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

“glorified” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;