Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:38

What does Matthew 27:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:38 means

Two robbers are crucified alongside Jesus, one on his right and one on his left. Their presence fulfills the pattern of being numbered among transgressors and frames Jesus’ death socially—he is put with criminals. It heightens the isolation and shame of the cross, placing Jesus outside social and religious respectability. Yet in the gospel of Luke these robbers’ responses contrast; here Matthew underscores Jesus’ identification with sinners and the substitutionary aspect of his atonement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then two thieves were put on crosses with him, one on the right and one on the left.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then were crucified with him two thieves: one on the right hand and one on the left.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse follows the inscription above Jesus’ head (v. 37) and situates him between criminals. The presence of the robbers intensifies the humiliation and fulfills prophetic imagery. The following verses show how passersby and leaders mock Jesus (vv. 39–44), further highlighting his suffering among the condemned.

v.37And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

v.38This passage

v.39And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

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.

  • Matthew 27:44

    And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach.

  • 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.

  • John 19:31

    The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

  • Luke 23:39

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

  • Mark 15:27

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

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