Luke 23:26

KJV

¶ And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear [it] after Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as {G5613} they led {G520} him {G846} away {G520}, they laid hold upon {G1949} one {G5100} Simon {G4613}, a Cyrenian {G2956}, coming {G2064} out of {G575} the country {G68}, and on {G2007} him {G846} they laid {G2007} the cross {G4716}, that he might bear {G5342} it after {G3693} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As the Roman soldiers led Yeshua away, they grabbed hold of a man from Cyrene named Shim‘on, who was on his way in from the country. They put the execution-stake on his back and made him carry it behind Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

American Standard Version

And when they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to bear it after Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:26 recounts a pivotal moment during Jesus' agonizing procession to Golgotha, where Roman soldiers, observing Jesus' extreme physical exhaustion, compelled a bystander named Simon of Cyrene to carry the crossbeam for Him. This unexpected intervention highlights the immense suffering of Christ and introduces an ordinary man into the most significant event in human history, positioning him as an unwitting participant in the unfolding drama of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's detailed account of Jesus' passion, immediately following Pilate's condemnation and the initial stages of the Via Dolorosa. Prior to this, Jesus has endured a night of betrayal, arrest, multiple trials, beatings, and scourging ([Luke 22:47-23:25](/luke/22-47-23-25 "Luke's Account of Jesus' Arrest, Trials, and Condemnation")). The narrative flow emphasizes Jesus' profound physical debilitation, making His inability to carry the cross a stark reality. The subsequent verses describe the lamenting women of Jerusalem ([Luke 23:27-31](/luke/23-27-31 "Jesus' Words to the Daughters of Jerusalem")) and the actual crucifixion ([Luke 23:32-49](/luke/23-32-49 "The Crucifixion of Jesus")). Simon's appearance is a brief but significant interlude underscoring the severity of Jesus' condition and the Roman authorities' absolute control.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal and public form of execution designed to inflict maximum suffering and humiliation. Typically, the condemned carried their own *patibulum* (the crossbeam, which could weigh 75-125 pounds) to the execution site. The full cross, weighing upwards of 300 pounds, was usually already erected. Jesus' inability to carry even the crossbeam, as implied by the soldiers' action, speaks volumes about His physical state after the scourging and trials. Cyrene, in modern-day Libya, was a major city with a significant Jewish diaspora. It is highly probable that Simon was a Jew or a proselyte who had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a common pilgrimage during that time. His description as "coming out of the country" suggests he was entering the city from agricultural areas or a suburb, rather than being part of the agitated crowd that had followed Jesus from the city center. The Roman practice of *angareia* (forced impressment into service) gave soldiers the authority to compel civilians to carry burdens, which explains why Simon had no choice in the matter.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:26 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. It vividly portrays the **suffering and humiliation of Christ**, emphasizing the physical toll of His passion. The unexpected involvement of Simon highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and unexpected participation**, where an ordinary individual is drawn into God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, Simon's forced bearing of the cross "after Jesus" subtly foreshadows the theme of **discipleship and cross-bearing**, a concept Jesus Himself had taught earlier in Luke's Gospel, stating, "[If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship")" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship")). Simon's literal act becomes a powerful, albeit involuntary, illustration of this spiritual principle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid hold upon (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** This verb (G1949) signifies to seize or take hold of, often with force or authority. In this context, it underscores the involuntary nature of Simon's service. The soldiers did not ask or invite Simon; they "laid hold upon" him, compelling him to assist, demonstrating the absolute power of the Roman state over its subjects.
* **cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** The term (G4716) refers to a stake or post, specifically the instrument of capital punishment. Figuratively, it denotes exposure to death, self-denial, and by implication, the atonement of Christ. Here, it is the literal wooden beam, heavy and burdensome, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice Jesus was about to make.
* **after (Greek, _ópisthen'_):** This adverb (G3693) means "from the rear," "at the back," or "behind." Its use here, "bear it after Jesus," is profoundly significant. It positions Simon in the literal wake of Jesus, following Him on the path to Calvary, a physical representation of the spiritual call to discipleship that Jesus had issued.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they led him away,"**: This phrase establishes the ongoing procession to the place of execution, emphasizing Jesus' continued movement under Roman guard. The "they" refers to the Roman soldiers who were responsible for the execution.
* **"they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian,"**: This introduces the key individual, Simon, and specifies his origin. The action "laid hold upon" (epilambánomai) highlights the compulsory nature of his involvement, as he was forcibly conscripted by the soldiers. His origin from Cyrene, a city in North Africa, indicates his likely status as a Jewish pilgrim or proselyte in Jerusalem for Passover.
* **"coming out of the country,"**: This detail provides insight into Simon's immediate circumstances, suggesting he was entering the city from rural areas or a nearby village, perhaps returning from work or simply arriving for the festival, making him an unsuspecting bystander.
* **"and on him they laid the cross,"**: This is the central action of the verse. Due to Jesus' exhaustion, the soldiers transferred the burden of the crossbeam to Simon. This act is a stark visual of the weight of the crucifixion.
* **"that he might bear [it] after Jesus."**: This clause states the purpose of Simon's conscription. The phrase "after Jesus" is deeply symbolic, echoing Jesus' call for His disciples to "take up his cross daily, and follow me" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Discipleship")). Simon, though unwillingly, literally fulfills this command.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's brief account of Simon of Cyrene employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical act of Simon bearing the cross "after Jesus" becomes a profound symbol for the spiritual call to discipleship and sharing in Christ's suffering. Simon's cross-bearing is not merely a practical necessity but a visual metaphor for the Christian journey. There is also an element of **Irony** in Simon's situation: he is an ordinary man, a forced participant, yet he is granted the extraordinary, albeit burdensome, privilege of assisting the Son of God in His darkest hour. This involuntary service, according to tradition, led to his and his family's conversion, transforming a moment of Roman oppression into a point of divine encounter. Finally, the narrative serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the Christian life, where believers are called to endure hardship and self-denial for the sake of the Gospel, following in the footsteps of their Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:26 presents a powerful theological tableau, illustrating not only the depths of Christ's physical suffering but also the unexpected ways in which God involves humanity in His redemptive plan. Simon's forced participation in carrying the cross for Jesus, though initially a burden imposed by Roman authority, becomes a profound act of solidarity with the suffering Savior. Theologically, it foreshadows the Christian's call to "take up their cross" daily, which involves self-denial, endurance of hardship, and commitment to Christ even in the face of adversity. Simon, a seemingly random individual, is drawn into the most significant event in history, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His divine purposes. His act of bearing the physical cross also stands in stark contrast to Jesus' bearing of the spiritual burden of the world's sin.

* [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking Up Your Cross")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simon of Cyrene's story is a compelling invitation to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the unexpected burdens we may be called to bear. His experience reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy or voluntary; sometimes, the "cross" we are called to carry is thrust upon us by circumstances beyond our control—illness, loss, persecution, or difficult responsibilities. Yet, in these moments, we are invited to see ourselves in Simon, walking "after Jesus," sharing in His suffering, and finding profound purpose even in pain. Simon's act, though forced, became a privilege that connected him directly to the Lord's passion. For us, bearing our cross means embracing the challenges of faith, denying self, and faithfully following Christ, trusting that even in our weakness, God's strength is made perfect. It teaches us that God can use anyone, in any circumstance, to advance His kingdom, turning what seems like a burden into a pathway for deeper communion with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to "bear a cross" in my own life today, even if it feels involuntary or burdensome?**
* **How can I embrace difficult circumstances as opportunities to follow "after Jesus" more closely?**
* **What does Simon's story teach me about God's ability to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of willingness to serve Christ, even when the path is challenging or uncomfortable?**

### FAQ
**Who was Simon of Cyrene, and why was he chosen to carry the cross?**

Answer: Simon was a man from Cyrene, a city in North Africa (modern-day Libya) with a large Jewish population. He was likely a Jewish pilgrim who had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. He was "coming out of the country," suggesting he was entering the city from an outlying area. He was not "chosen" in a voluntary sense but was forcibly conscripted by the Roman soldiers. Jesus, severely weakened by scourging and the trials, was unable to continue carrying the crossbeam Himself. Roman soldiers had the authority (known as *angareia*) to compel civilians into service, and they seized Simon as a convenient bystander to alleviate Jesus' burden and ensure the procession continued.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Simon of Cyrene's reluctant act of bearing the cross "after Jesus" serves as a powerful, albeit unwitting, foreshadowing of the Christian's call to discipleship, but more profoundly, it highlights the unique and solitary burden that Christ Himself bore. Simon carried the physical wood, a temporary and imposed task; Jesus, however, *voluntarily* carried the infinitely heavier burden of humanity's sin and the wrath of God on that very cross. Simon's act underscores Jesus' profound physical debilitation, emphasizing the depth of suffering He endured as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, Simon's carrying of the cross points to the substitutionary atonement accomplished by Christ, who "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). While Simon's burden was external and temporary, Jesus' burden was internal, eternal, and redemptive, culminating in His cry, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words")" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words")), signifying the complete payment for sin. Simon's cross-bearing is a shadow; Christ's is the substance that brings salvation and new life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Matthew 27:44

The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Mark 15:21

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Mark 15:32

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Acts 2:10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Luke 9:23

And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.