Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

MATTHEW 27:38KJV
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Matthew 27:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:38 mean?

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.”

The Greek behind Matthew 27:38

  • 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.

Why Matthew 27:38 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“left” Greek G2176 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
  • Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
  • Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

“thieves” Greek G3027 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
  • Mark 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
  • Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,