Luke 23:35
What does Luke 23:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:35 means
People stand watching, and rulers scoff: “He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.” Their taunt is heavy with irony. He will not save Himself precisely because He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One, saving others by staying on the cross. The mockers misunderstand His mission: the Messiah’s path goes through suffering to glory. Their words unintentionally confess His power and office even as they reject Him. The spectacle reveals hardened unbelief and the triumph of appearances over truth, yet God is accomplishing salvation through what looks like defeat.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the people were looking on. And the rulers made sport of him, saying, He was a saviour of others; let him do something for himself, if he is the Christ, the man of God's selection.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also were sneering with them, saying, `Others he saved, let him save himself, if this be the Christ, the choice one of God.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the people stood beholding. And the rulers with them derided him, saying: He saved others: let him save himself, if he be Christ, the elect of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the people stood beholding, and the rulers also [with them] sneered, saying, He has saved others; let him save himself if this is the Christ, the chosen one ofGod.
Context
Following Jesus’ prayer and the soldiers’ casting of lots, Luke records the reactions around the cross. The rulers’ scoffing gives voice to official rejection of His messianic claim. Next, the soldiers join the mockery, offering vinegar and urging Him to save Himself if He is King of the Jews. The inscription posted above Him will underline the charge. These layers of derision set the stage for the contrasting faith of the repentant criminal, who sees, beyond the shame, the true King and His kingdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 53:3
He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.
- 1 Peter 2:4
unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,
- Luke 16:14
And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.
- Psalms 4:2
O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? How longwill ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? [Selah
- Genesis 37:19
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
- Matthew 3:17
and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
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