Luke 23:32

¶ And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

And {G1161} there were also {G2532} two {G1417} other {G2087}, malefactors {G2557}, led {G71} with {G4862} him {G846} to be put to death {G337}.

Two other men, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him.

Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.

And there were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

Luke 23:32 describes a poignant moment on the path to Calvary, immediately preceding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This verse sets the scene for one of the most significant events in human history, highlighting the company Jesus kept in His final hours.

Context

This verse is situated within Luke's detailed account of Jesus' passion. After His arrest, trials before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, and the unjust condemnation, Jesus is led out of Jerusalem to be executed. Roman crucifixions were public spectacles, often involving multiple condemned individuals as a deterrent. Luke 23:32 specifically notes that Jesus was led with "two other, malefactors," underscoring the company He was forced to keep. The preceding verses describe the journey to Golgotha, where Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross, and Jesus' words to the weeping women of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Innocence Amidst Guilt: The verse starkly contrasts Jesus, the innocent Son of God, with the "malefactors" (criminals). While they were condemned for their crimes, Jesus was condemned despite His perfect righteousness, highlighting the injustice of His trial and execution.
  • Solidarity with Sinners: By being led alongside common criminals, Jesus demonstrates His profound identification with humanity, particularly with the outcasts and condemned. He willingly shared the shame and suffering of those considered utterly depraved. This prefigures His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event directly fulfills prophecies concerning the Messiah, notably that He would be "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). His death, though seemingly a defeat, was a divinely orchestrated act of redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "malefactors" is kakourgoi (κακοῦργοι), which literally means "evil-doers" or "criminals." This term emphasizes that these were not just ordinary people, but individuals who had committed serious offenses, likely deserving of their punishment under Roman law. This contrast further highlights the unique nature of Jesus' suffering.

Related Scriptures

The presence of the two criminals is corroborated in other Gospel accounts:

  • Matthew 27:38: "Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left."
  • Mark 15:27: "And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left."
  • John 19:18: "Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst."
Luke's account uniquely expands on the dialogue between Jesus and these two malefactors in verses 39-43, culminating in the promise of paradise to the repentant thief.

Practical Application

Luke 23:32 reminds us of the profound depth of God's love and grace. Jesus did not die a glorious death, but a shameful one, condemned alongside the worst of society. This speaks to His willingness to meet humanity in its darkest places and identify with our fallen state. It underscores that God's salvation is available to all, regardless of their past. Even the "malefactors" on the cross had an opportunity for redemption, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy if they turn to Him in faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 15:27

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

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Matthew 27:38

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

  • John 19:18

    Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

  • Luke 22:37

    For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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