Devine Scripture

Luke 23:40

What does Luke 23:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:40 means

The other criminal rebukes his companion: “Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” Facing death, he recognizes the seriousness of judgment. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, even at the last hour. He sees their punishment as just and senses that railing against Jesus is both foolish and impious. His words mark the start of repentance—turning from scoffing to reverence. While condemned by Rome, he looks beyond human courts to divine justice. This awakening prepares him to confess his own guilt and to testify that Jesus suffers innocently.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the other, protesting, said, Have you no fear of God? for you have a part in the same punishment,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the other answering, was rebuking him, saying, `Dost thou not even fear God, that thou art in the same judgment?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing; thou art under the same condemnation?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost thou too not fearGod, thou that art under the same judgment?

Context

This rebuke marks a dramatic turn from the prevailing mockery. It introduces a new tone at the cross: fear of God, honesty about sin, and recognition of righteousness. In the next verse, the repentant criminal will confess that he is receiving due reward while Jesus has done nothing wrong. Then he will appeal directly to Jesus for remembrance in His kingdom. The narrative is moving from derision to faith, culminating in Jesus’ gracious promise of Paradise that very day.

v.39And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.

v.40This passage

v.41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Cross references

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

  • Leviticus 19:17

    Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

  • Revelation 16:11

    and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they repented not of their works.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Jehovah, this same king Ahaz.

  • Luke 12:5

    But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

  • Ephesians 5:11

    and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

  • Psalms 36:1

    The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes.

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