Luke 23:37

KJV

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} saying {G3004}, If {G1487} thou {G4771} be {G1488} the king {G935} of the Jews {G2453}, save {G4982} thyself {G4572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”

Berean Standard Bible

“If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”

American Standard Version

and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:37 captures a poignant moment of intense mockery directed at Jesus Christ as He endured crucifixion. Amidst His profound suffering, Roman soldiers, reflecting the prevailing skepticism and contempt, challenged His purported identity as "the King of the Jews" by daring Him to save Himself. This taunt encapsulates the world's fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' true kingship, which was not defined by earthly power or self-preservation, but by sacrificial love and divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion, following His unjust trial before Pilate and Herod, and His arduous journey to Golgotha. Immediately preceding this verse, [Luke 23:36](/luke/23-36 "Luke 23:36 - Soldiers Mock Jesus") describes the Roman soldiers offering Jesus sour wine, a common drink for troops, as they mocked Him. The taunt in [Luke 23:37](/luke/23-37 "Luke 23:37 - Soldiers Taunt Jesus to Save Himself") directly echoes and amplifies the inscription placed above Jesus' head on the cross, which [Luke 23:38](/luke/23-38 "Luke 23:38 - The Inscription on the Cross") states read: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." This public declaration, intended as a political charge and an act of Roman scorn, ironically became a profound statement of Jesus' true identity, further fueling the ridicule from various onlookers, including the rulers ([Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - Rulers Scoff at Jesus")), the soldiers, and even one of the criminals crucified alongside Him ([Luke 23:39](/luke/23-39 "Luke 23:39 - One Criminal Mocks Jesus")). The narrative underscores the relentless humiliation Jesus endured.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment employed by the Romans, designed not only to inflict maximum physical suffering but also to serve as a public spectacle of humiliation and deterrence. The condemned were stripped of all dignity, and taunting by onlookers, especially soldiers, was a common element of this public execution. The title "King of the Jews" was highly provocative. To the Romans, it represented a potential political insurgent, hence Pilate's charge. To many Jews, it evoked the hope of a conquering, political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule, an expectation Jesus consistently subverted. The soldiers, likely indifferent to Jewish messianic hopes, found the idea of a crucified "king" utterly absurd and ripe for derision. Their offer of sour wine and their challenge to "save thyself" were typical acts of contempt, demanding a display of power that would validate His claim or, more likely, confirm their belief in His impotence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Mockery and Suffering**, portraying the depth of human contempt and the extent of Jesus' humiliation, which was integral to His atoning work. Secondly, it profoundly addresses the **Nature of Jesus' Kingship**. The taunt reveals a stark misunderstanding of His kingdom, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), contrasting the world's expectation of a conquering political leader with Jesus' spiritual, redemptive reign established through sacrifice. Thirdly, the challenge to "save thyself" echoes the **Temptation to Prove Himself**, reminiscent of the wilderness temptations where Satan similarly urged Jesus to use His divine power for self-serving ends or to avoid suffering ([Luke 4:3](/luke/4-3 "Luke 4:3 - Temptation to Turn Stones to Bread")). Jesus' unwavering refusal to succumb to such temptations, even in His final moments, underscores His perfect obedience and the theme of **Sacrificial Love**, where He chose to endure suffering for the salvation of humanity rather than preserving Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saying (Greek, _légō_):** This verb, G3004, implies a deliberate, often systematic or set discourse, rather than a casual utterance. In this context, it suggests the soldiers' taunt was not merely a spontaneous outburst but a calculated, repeated, and intentional verbal assault, designed to maximize Jesus' public humiliation and challenge His claims with cynical precision. It highlights the sustained nature of their derision.
* **If (Greek, _ei_):** The particle G1487 introduces a conditional clause, expressing doubt or a hypothetical situation. Here, it functions as a direct challenge to Jesus' identity, implying "If you truly are what you claim or what the inscription says, then prove it." It conveys skepticism and a demand for empirical evidence of His kingship, demonstrating their complete inability to grasp the spiritual nature of His authority.
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō_):** This verb, G4982, means to deliver, protect, or make whole. While it can refer to spiritual salvation, the soldiers' use of it here is purely physical and immediate: "deliver yourself from this cross." It represents their worldly understanding of power—the ability to escape suffering and death—and stands in stark contrast to Jesus' divine mission to "save" humanity from sin through His very suffering and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saying":** This phrase links the verbal taunt directly to the actions of the soldiers described in the preceding verse. It indicates that their mockery was not a one-off event but an ongoing, active component of Jesus' crucifixion, a continuous stream of verbal abuse accompanying their physical acts of derision. It emphasizes the relentless nature of the humiliation Jesus endured.
* **"If thou be the king of the Jews":** This is the conditional challenge at the heart of the taunt. It directly questions Jesus' identity and authority, referencing the very title affixed to His cross. The "if" clause conveys profound skepticism and contempt, daring Jesus to validate His claim in a way that would be comprehensible to them—through a display of earthly power and self-preservation. It underscores the profound irony that His true kingship was being revealed precisely in His apparent weakness.
* **"save thyself":** This is the imperative command, the ultimate test and demand. It is a cynical dare for Jesus to use His alleged power to escape the very fate He willingly embraced. For the soldiers, "saving oneself" would be the logical action for any powerful king in such a predicament. This command highlights the fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' mission: He did not come to save Himself, but to save others, and His method of salvation was through self-sacrifice, not self-preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 23:37 is **Irony**, particularly **Dramatic Irony**. The soldiers' taunt, "If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself," is intended as a sneering dismissal of Jesus' claims, yet it unwittingly highlights the profound truth of His kingship and the paradoxical nature of His saving work. They demand that He save Himself, unaware that His refusal to do so is precisely *how* He saves humanity. Another prominent device is **Mockery**, which permeates the scene. The soldiers' words are designed to humiliate and degrade, reflecting the profound contempt and disbelief in Jesus' divine authority. This mockery serves to amplify the depth of Jesus' suffering and His unwavering commitment to His mission despite extreme provocation. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between the world's understanding of power (self-preservation, earthly dominion) and God's paradoxical power revealed in weakness and self-sacrifice. The taunt demands a demonstration of worldly power, while Jesus' silence and endurance exemplify a divine power that transcends human comprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:37 powerfully underscores the profound theological truth that God's power is often revealed in ways that defy human expectations and logic. The world, represented by the Roman soldiers, demands a display of raw, self-serving power from its kings—the ability to escape suffering and dominate. Yet, Jesus' kingship is of an entirely different order, one that embraces weakness, humility, and self-sacrifice as the very means of salvation. His refusal to "save himself" is not a sign of impotence, but the ultimate demonstration of His divine love and obedience to the Father's will, securing eternal redemption for humanity. This paradox of power through weakness is a central theme of the cross, challenging all human notions of strength and sovereignty.

* [Matthew 27:42](/matthew/27-42 "Matthew 27:42 - Taunts to Save Himself")
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")
* [Hebrews 5:7-9](/hebrews/5-7-9 "Hebrews 5:7-9 - Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:37 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that often misunderstands or scorns faith. Just as Jesus was challenged to "prove" His identity through self-preservation, we too may face temptations to prioritize our own comfort, safety, or reputation over God's call to sacrificial living. The world often defines success by power, wealth, and self-advancement, and our commitment to Christ may be met with derision or pressure to conform. This verse reminds us that true power, as exemplified by Christ, lies not in self-assertion or escape from suffering, but in humble obedience to God's will, even when it leads to ridicule or hardship. It challenges us to examine our own motivations: Are we seeking to "save ourselves" from discomfort, or are we willing to embrace the path of self-denial for the sake of the Gospel and the glory of God? Jesus' endurance teaches us to remain steadfast, trusting that God's purposes are fulfilled not always through outward displays of strength, but often through quiet faithfulness in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "save yourself" rather than trusting in God's paradoxical plan?**
* **How does Jesus' example of enduring scorn challenge your own response to criticism or misunderstanding of your faith?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the true nature of power and authority, both in Christ and in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why did the soldiers mock Jesus as "King of the Jews"?

Answer: The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus as "King of the Jews" primarily because it was the political charge for which He was condemned by Pilate, as stated in [Luke 23:38](/luke/23-38 "Luke 23:38 - The Inscription on the Cross"). For the Romans, crucifixion was a public spectacle of humiliation, and a condemned man claiming or being accused of kingship was an absurd and contemptible notion. Their mockery was a cynical act of derision, typical of soldiers towards a defeated and powerless enemy, highlighting the perceived absurdity of a crucified "king" who could not even save Himself from death. It was a way to further degrade Jesus and reinforce Roman authority.

**Question?** How does this taunt relate to Jesus' true kingship?

Answer: The taunt "If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself" highlights a profound irony and misunderstanding of Jesus' true kingship. The soldiers, like many at the time, expected a king to wield earthly power, conquer enemies, and save himself from harm. However, Jesus' kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His kingship is established through self-sacrifice and redemptive suffering, not through military might or self-preservation. His refusal to save Himself from the cross was the ultimate act of His divine authority and love, demonstrating that His reign is one of spiritual salvation and eternal life, achieved precisely through His apparent weakness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:37, with its cynical challenge to Jesus to "save thyself," stands as a profound testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' refusal to descend from the cross, to use His divine power for self-preservation, is the very act that secures humanity's salvation. He is the true King, not of an earthly dominion that conquers through force, but of a spiritual kingdom established through sacrificial love. This scene foreshadows the ultimate truth that the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), must suffer and die. His apparent weakness on the cross is, in fact, the ultimate display of divine strength, fulfilling the prophetic vision of the Suffering Servant who bears our iniquities ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")). By enduring the taunts and the cross, Jesus demonstrates His perfect obedience to the Father ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), offering Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sins")). His inability to "save himself" from the cross is precisely what enables Him to "save" all who believe, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God. This verse, therefore, is not merely a record of mockery, but a powerful declaration of the paradoxical, self-giving nature of Christ's kingship and His complete devotion to His mission of redemption.

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.