Luke 23:33

KJV

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} they were come {G565} to {G1909} the place {G5117}, which {G3588} is called {G2564} Calvary {G2898}, there {G1563} they crucified {G4717} him {G846}, and {G2532} the malefactors {G2557}, one {G3739}{G3303} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188}, and {G1161} the other {G3739} on {G1537} the left {G710}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed him to a stake; and they nailed the criminals to stakes, one on the right and one on the left.

Berean Standard Bible

When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.

American Standard Version

And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:33 marks the somber and pivotal moment of Jesus's crucifixion, detailing His arrival at "Calvary" (Golgotha) where He was impaled alongside two criminals. This verse encapsulates the ultimate act of divine love and sacrifice, setting the stage for the atoning work of Christ and fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant who would be "numbered with the transgressors." It is a stark depiction of human sin and divine redemption, highlighting the profound humility and identification of the Son of God with a fallen humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic point of Luke's passion narrative, immediately following Jesus's arduous journey to the execution site. Prior to this, Luke meticulously chronicles Jesus's arrest, the series of unjust trials before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, the crowd's insistent demand for His crucifixion, and Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry His cross. Jesus's compassionate words to the weeping women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31) precede His arrival at Calvary, underscoring His unwavering focus on others even in His profound suffering. Luke 23:33 initiates the actual act of crucifixion, leading directly into the mocking of Jesus, the interaction with the two criminals, His final words, and His death, all of which unfold in the subsequent verses of [Luke 23](/luke/23 "Luke Chapter 23").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "place, which is called Calvary" (Latin for "skull") is known in Aramaic as Golgotha, also meaning "place of a skull." This site was typically a rocky outcrop or small hill outside the city walls of Jerusalem, serving as a common execution ground. Roman crucifixion was a brutal and public method of capital punishment, designed to inflict maximum pain, humiliation, and serve as a deterrent. It was reserved for the lowest classes, rebellious slaves, and the most dangerous criminals, emphasizing the profound scandal and shame associated with Jesus's death. The practice of crucifying multiple individuals simultaneously, as seen with the "malefactors," was common, further highlighting Jesus's deliberate placement among transgressors, a detail rich with theological significance.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the Suffering Servant prophecies of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), where the Messiah is "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with Transgressors")). The verse also underscores the **Ultimate Sacrifice** of Jesus, presenting Calvary as the focal point of His atoning work, where He bore the sin of humanity. Furthermore, Jesus's crucifixion between two criminals highlights His profound **Identification with Humanity**, especially with sinners, demonstrating His mission to save the lost. This scene also serves as a stark reminder of the **Gravity of Sin** and the immense cost required for its atonement, contrasting Jesus's perfect innocence with the guilt of those He died for.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Calvary (Greek, _kraníon'_):** Derived from a diminutive of a word meaning "horn," this term literally translates to "skull." It refers to the specific location where Jesus was crucified, known for its skull-like appearance or perhaps as a place where the skulls of executed criminals were left. The name itself is evocative of death and the grim reality of execution.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō'_):** This verb means "to impale on the cross" or "to fix to a cross." It describes the brutal method of execution employed by the Romans, involving nailing or tying a person to a wooden cross. The term carries immense theological weight, signifying the means by which Christ accomplished atonement and bore the curse of sin.
* **malefactors (Greek, _kakoûrgos'_):** Composed of "bad" (kakos) and "work" (ergon), this term literally means "evil-doer" or "wrong-doer," referring to criminals or those who commit wicked acts. Their presence alongside Jesus emphasizes His placement among transgressors, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting the profound irony and injustice of His death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary,"**: This clause establishes the setting for the crucifixion. The journey from Jerusalem's city gate to Calvary (Golgotha) was a short but arduous one, often marked by public humiliation. "Calvary" is the Latinized form of the Greek "kranion," meaning "skull," a grim and fitting name for an execution site.
* **"there they crucified him,"**: This concise phrase describes the central, horrific act. "They" refers to the Roman soldiers carrying out the sentence. The crucifixion itself was a prolonged, agonizing death, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public shame, a stark contrast to the innocent character of Jesus.
* **"and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."**: This final clause details the company Jesus kept in His death. The "malefactors" were common criminals. Their placement on either side of Jesus fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with Transgressors"), where the Suffering Servant is "numbered with the transgressors." This arrangement also sets the stage for the profound theological interaction between Jesus and the two criminals in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:33 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "Calvary" (Golgotha) serving not merely as a geographical location but as a powerful symbol of sin's ultimate consequence, the depth of human depravity, and simultaneously, the apex of divine love and sacrificial atonement. The cross itself, initially a symbol of Roman brutality and shame, is transformed through Christ's death into the ultimate symbol of redemption and victory over sin and death. **Irony** is powerfully present: the Son of God, the King of Kings, is crucified not on a throne, but on a cross, and not among dignitaries, but between common criminals. This stark contrast underscores the profound humility of Christ and the scandal of the cross, where the innocent Lamb of God is treated as the vilest of offenders. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing the innocent Jesus directly between two guilty malefactors, highlighting the unique nature of His sacrifice and His identification with a fallen world, even as His sinlessness stands in stark relief against their criminality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:33 stands as a foundational text for understanding the heart of Christian theology: the atonement. At Calvary, God's justice and His boundless love converge. The horrific reality of crucifixion underscores the immense gravity of human sin, which necessitated such a radical divine intervention. Yet, in this very act of suffering, God demonstrates His immeasurable love by offering His Son as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus's willingness to be "numbered with the transgressors" reveals His profound empathy and His mission to redeem even the most condemned, offering salvation not to the righteous, but to sinners. This moment is the central act of reconciliation between a holy God and a rebellious humanity, making a way for forgiveness and new life.

* [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors")
* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:33 invites us to gaze upon the cross with profound reverence and gratitude. It is a powerful reminder that our salvation was not achieved cheaply or easily, but at the immeasurable cost of God's own Son. The scene at Calvary compels us to confront the reality of our own sin and the depth of God's love that would provide such a radical remedy. Jesus's crucifixion between two criminals also serves as a poignant illustration of His universal reach and willingness to save anyone, regardless of their past. The grace extended to the repentant criminal (Luke 23:43) is a timeless testament to the boundless mercy available to all who turn to Christ, even in their final moments. This verse calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the crucifixion and to embrace its personal implications: to acknowledge our need for a Savior, to repent of our sins, and to live in light of the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf, allowing the love displayed at Calvary to transform our lives and motivate our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the scene at Calvary, with Jesus crucified between two criminals, deepen your understanding of God's love and justice?**
* **In what ways does Jesus's willingness to be "numbered with the transgressors" challenge your perception of His mission and His identification with humanity?**
* **What personal response does the immense cost of salvation, as depicted in Luke 23:33, evoke in your heart and life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the place being called "Calvary"?**

Answer: The name "Calvary" is derived from the Latin word *Calvaria*, which, like its Aramaic/Hebrew equivalent "Golgotha," means "place of a skull." The significance is multi-layered. It may have been named for its physical appearance, resembling a skull or a rounded hill. Alternatively, it could have been a place where the skulls or bones of executed criminals were left unburied, making it a grim and stark reminder of death. Theologically, the name "skull" powerfully symbolizes death and the wages of sin, making it a fitting, albeit grim, location for the ultimate sacrifice that would conquer death and sin. This site, outside the city walls, also aligns with the Old Testament practice of sacrifices being taken "outside the camp" (e.g., [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - The Sin Offering Outside the Camp")), foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate sin offering.

**Why were "malefactors" crucified alongside Jesus?**

Answer: It was common Roman practice to crucify multiple criminals at once, especially during times of heightened political tension or public unrest, as a display of imperial power and a deterrent against crime or rebellion. In Jesus's case, His crucifixion between two "malefactors" (criminals or evil-doers) served several purposes. From a human perspective, it was likely intended to further humiliate Jesus by associating Him with common criminals, thereby diminishing His perceived status and message. However, from a divine perspective, it was a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors"), which foretold that the Suffering Servant would be "numbered with the transgressors." This placement highlights Jesus's profound identification with sinful humanity, demonstrating that He died not for the righteous, but for sinners, even the worst among them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:33, in its stark depiction of the crucifixion at Calvary, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's role as the Lamb of God and the Suffering Servant. This is not merely an execution of a man, but the climactic act of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly allowed Himself to be "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors")), taking the place of humanity under the curse of sin. At Calvary, He became "sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His death on the cross, a symbol of Roman shame, became the very means by which He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The blood shed at Calvary is the new covenant blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the New Covenant")), making propitiation for our sins and reconciling us to God ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Thus, Calvary is the definitive moment where the love of God is most profoundly demonstrated, providing the singular, perfect sacrifice necessary to bridge the chasm between a holy God and a sinful humanity, fulfilling all that the Old Testament sacrifices and prophecies pointed towards in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Mark 15:22

¶ And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Mark 15:23

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

John 19:17

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

John 19:18

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

Matthew 27:33

¶ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

Matthew 27:34

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.