Devine Scripture

Luke 23:32

What does Luke 23:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:32 means

Two other men, identified as malefactors, are led with Jesus to be executed. This fulfills the pattern that He would be “numbered with transgressors,” not in guilt but in treatment. The Holy One shares the fate of the guilty, placing Himself among them to save them. His companionship on the way to death highlights the purpose of His mission: to stand where sinners stand. Luke’s mention prepares for the contrasting responses of the two criminals at the cross—one mocking, one believing. Even here, grace will shine as one condemned man reaches out to the King beside him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And two others, evil-doers, were taken with him to be put to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there were also others--two evil-doers--with him, to be put to death;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now two others also, malefactors, were led with him to be put to death.

Context

After Jesus’ prophetic warning, the narrative resumes its march. The inclusion of two criminals emphasizes the shame and public nature of this execution. Next, they arrive at the place called The skull, where crucifixion takes place. There, Luke will record Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness for His tormentors, the casting of lots for His garments, and the mockery from rulers and soldiers. The presence of the two criminals will provide a key moment of faith and promise in the midst of suffering.

v.31For if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

v.32This passage

v.33And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 22:37

    For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Mark 15:27

    And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left.

  • John 19:18

    where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

  • Matthew 27:38

    Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left.

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