Devine Scripture

Luke 23:42

What does Luke 23:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:42 means

He says, “Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.” This is a remarkable act of faith. He addresses Jesus by name, entrusting himself to a crucified King whose throne seems to be a cross. He believes Jesus’ death will not end His rule and that mercy is possible even now. He asks not for escape from the cross, but for inclusion in the kingdom. His request is humble and hopeful, grounded not in his merit but in Jesus’ grace. In the shadow of death, he sees more clearly than the crowds: the true King is before him, and to be remembered by Him is salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Jesus, keep me in mind when you come in your kingdom.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to Jesus, `Remember me, lord, when thou mayest come in thy reign;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to Jesus, Remember me, [Lord,] when thou comest in thy kingdom.

Context

The repentant criminal moves from fear of God and confession to a direct appeal. In the next verse, Jesus responds with a solemn promise of immediate fellowship: “To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” This exchange shines at the heart of the crucifixion narrative, demonstrating that Jesus’ death is not a defeat but the doorway to life, and that faith in Him—however late—receives full welcome. After this, cosmic signs accompany His dying hour.

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

v.42This passage

v.43And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 12:8

    And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

  • Acts 16:31

    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.

  • Acts 20:21

    testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Isaiah 53:10

    Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand.

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.

  • Luke 24:26

    Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?

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