Luke 23 40

Luke 23:40 kjv

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

Luke 23:40 nkjv

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?

Luke 23:40 niv

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?

Luke 23:40 esv

But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

Luke 23:40 nlt

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?

Luke 23 verses

Luke 23 40 Meaning

Luke 23:40 records the critical turning point on the cross for one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus. As the other criminal mocks Jesus, this man rebukes his companion, expressing a profound recognition of God's authority and imminent judgment. He questions the other's lack of reverence ("Do you not even fear God?") despite their shared, severe condemnation. Furthermore, he acknowledges their own guilt, admitting that their suffering is a just consequence for their deeds. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and humble submission to divine truth from an unexpected source.

Luke 23 40 Context

Luke chapter 23 details Jesus' trial, condemnation, and crucifixion. Verses 32-43 specifically describe the scene at Golgotha where Jesus is crucified between two criminals, historically understood as robbers or insurgents. Amidst the intense suffering, both Jesus and the two criminals are subjected to public mockery from various groups: the rulers (v. 35), the soldiers (v. 36), and even one of the crucified criminals (v. 39), who challenges Jesus to save himself and them. Verse 40 marks a sharp divergence in the reaction of the other criminal, who, despite his own dire circumstances and impending death, demonstrates spiritual perception and a radical change of heart, effectively turning away from the scoffing attitude to defend Jesus and acknowledge divine judgment.

Luke 23 40 Word analysis

• And answered (καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς - kai apokritheis): Implies a direct and intentional response. Not merely speaking, but directly countering the blasphemy of the other criminal. It suggests an active and deliberate engagement.

• rebuking (ἐπιτιμῶν - epitimon): This verb means to "warn sharply," "reprimand," "censure," or "forbid." It indicates a strong condemnation and an attempt to silence or correct the other's behavior, conveying moral authority despite his physical helplessness. It shows the man's profound conviction.

• him: Refers to the first criminal who was mocking Jesus (v. 39).

• "Do you not even fear God" (Οὐδὲ φοβῇ σὺ τὸν Θεόν - Oude phobei sy ton Theon): This is a pivotal question.

  • "fear God" (phobeo ton Theon): In biblical context, "fear of God" is not primarily terror but reverential awe, respect for His holiness, righteousness, power, and judgment, leading to obedience and avoiding sin (Prov 9:10, Acts 9:31, 1 Pet 2:17). The criminal highlights the other man's complete absence of this fundamental spiritual principle, even when facing death and divine judgment. This fear is presented as the starting point for true wisdom and righteous living.
  • "Do you not even": The Greek "οὐδὲ" (oude) emphasizes surprise and dismay, suggesting that fear of God should be a natural and basic reaction, especially under such grave circumstances. It conveys a deep disappointment in the other man's moral insensitivity.

• "seeing you are under the same condemnation?" (ὅτι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι εἶ - hoti en tō autō krimati ei):

  • "same condemnation" (τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι - tō autō krimati): The word krima refers to a judgment or verdict. It encompasses both the human legal sentence of crucifixion and the divine moral judgment for their deeds. The criminal recognizes their shared predicament: facing death and ultimately, God's justice. The irony is that in their final moments, one remains defiant and foolish, while the other finds wisdom in acknowledging reality and approaching God. This shared experience should ideally evoke humility and introspection, not hardened blasphemy.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?": This entire rhetorical question serves as a powerful rebuke based on a foundational biblical principle. It highlights the profound irony and spiritual blindness of the mocking criminal. Both men face death, a prelude to judgment, yet only one recognizes the weight of that truth and responds with a proper attitude towards the divine. It establishes a moral high ground for the repentant thief and contrasts sharply with the irreverence of his companion. This shows the immediate recognition of divine sovereignty and justice.

Luke 23 40 Bonus section

The rebuke from the "good thief" emphasizes a core aspect of biblical wisdom: the fear of the Lord is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative reverence that impacts one's conduct and perspective, especially concerning divine judgment. This verse underlines the sovereignty of God's justice; even a condemned criminal understands that their punishment is justly deserved according to God's decree and not just human law. The unexpected source of this theological wisdom – a man literally at death's door – underscores that God's truth can resonate with anyone whose heart is prepared, regardless of their past deeds or social standing. This encounter at the cross beautifully juxtaposes unrepentant hard-heartedness with genuine, last-minute repentance sparked by a recognition of God's rightful place.

Luke 23 40 Commentary

Luke 23:40 is a potent demonstration of how divine grace can break through even in the darkest and most desperate of circumstances. The "good thief," as he's traditionally known, expresses a genuine "fear of God," not in the sense of terror, but as a deep reverence for God's holiness and His ultimate authority over life and death. This reverence leads to the painful yet necessary acknowledgment of his own sin and the justice of his suffering ("seeing you are under the same condemnation?"). His words sharply contrast with the other criminal's persistent mockery, showing that even amidst extreme human depravity and suffering, there is a choice to acknowledge God's truth or to persist in rebellion. This profound moment is a pivotal step towards his subsequent appeal to Jesus and reception of salvation, illustrating that true repentance begins with recognizing God's absolute authority and one's own deserved condemnation before Him.