The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

MATTHEW 27:44KJV
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Matthew 27:44 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:44 mean?

Matthew 27:44 says that the two thieves who were crucified alongside Jesus also insulted him, joining in with the crowd’s mocking. This shows that Jesus was not only rejected by religious leaders and bystanders, but even by those suffering the same fate as him.

The scene takes place during Jesus’ crucifixion, with Matthew describing how both criminals on either side of Jesus hurled insults at him. The verse highlights the depth of Jesus’ isolation and the widespread rejection he faced in his final hours, as even those in similar circumstances turned against him.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:44

  • "thieves" (λῃσταί, lēstai): This word refers to bandits or robbers, often understood as violent criminals rather than petty thieves. It emphasizes that those crucified with Jesus were considered serious offenders.
  • "cast...in his teeth" (ὠνείδιζον, ōneidizon): The Greek word here means to reproach, insult, or heap abuse upon. The phrase “cast...in his teeth” is an old English way of saying they verbally abused or mocked him, not a literal action.
  • "same" (ταὐτά, tauta): This word means “the same things,” showing that the thieves echoed the same insults and taunts as the crowd and religious leaders.

Why Matthew 27:44 matters

  • This verse clarifies that both criminals initially mocked Jesus, which helps explain the fuller story when one later changes his attitude in Luke’s account.
  • The detail that even those suffering alongside Jesus insulted him deepens the sense of his complete abandonment and the extent of the mockery he endured.
  • Matthew 27:44 connects to the surrounding verses by showing how universal the rejection of Jesus was at this moment, fulfilling the theme of the suffering servant who is despised by all.

Where else these words appear

“crucified” Greek G4957 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
  • John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
  • Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

“cast” Greek G3679 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
  • 1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

“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?