Question 1

What does Matthew 27:38 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 27:38 describes how, at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, two other men who were called thieves were also crucified alongside him—one on his right and one on his left. This detail shows that Jesus was executed as a criminal among criminals. In this scene, Matthew is narrating the events of Jesus’ crucifixion to his readers. The two “thieves” are likely bandits or rebels, and their presence highlights the shame and humiliation of Jesus’ death. Placing Jesus between them underlines that he was treated as just another lawbreaker by the authorities, fulfilling the pattern of being “numbered with the transgressors.”

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 27:38

Accepted Answer

The word for "thieves" is λῃσταί (lēstai), which often refers to bandits or violent criminals, not just petty thieves. This suggests the men crucified with Jesus were considered serious offenders. The phrase "on the right hand" uses δεξιῶν (dexiōn, from G1188), meaning the right side, and "on the left" uses εὐωνύμων (euōnymōn, from G2176), meaning the left side. These words make it clear that Jesus was in the middle, emphasizing his central position among the condemned.

Question 3

Why Matthew 27:38 matters

Accepted Answer

Matthew 27:38 clears up that Jesus was not crucified alone, but with two others, which fulfills Old Testament hints about the Messiah being counted among sinners. The verse emphasizes the humiliation and rejection Jesus faced, being placed between two criminals as if he were one of them. This detail sets up later moments in the story, such as the conversation between Jesus and the other men on the crosses, deepening the scene’s impact.

Matthew 27:38 (KJV)