Luke 23:39

KJV

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} one {G1520} of the malefactors {G2557} which were hanged {G2910} railed {G987} on him {G846}, saying {G3004}, If {G1487} thou {G4771} be {G1488} Christ {G5547}, save {G4982} thyself {G4572} and {G2532} us {G2248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

Berean Standard Bible

One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”

American Standard Version

And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:39 captures a profoundly poignant and stark moment during the crucifixion of Jesus, revealing the depth of human unbelief and the varied responses to Christ even in His agony. One of the two criminals crucified alongside Him, a "malefactor," hurls insults and demands, challenging Jesus' identity as the Messiah and demanding a physical rescue for himself and Jesus, thereby embodying the widespread misunderstanding of Jesus' true mission and the hardened skepticism of many onlookers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, the crucifixion, as recounted in [Luke chapter 23](/luke/23 "Luke 23 - The Crucifixion of Jesus"). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has been mocked by the rulers, soldiers, and even the people, who challenged Him to save Himself if He was indeed "the Christ of God, His Chosen One" ([Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - Mockery of Jesus")). The criminal's taunt in [Luke 23:39](/luke/23-39 "Luke 23:39 - The Unrepentant Thief") echoes these earlier blasphemies, intensifying the atmosphere of scorn and rejection that surrounds Jesus on the cross. The verse also serves as a critical setup for the dramatic contrast that follows in [Luke 23:40-43](/luke/23-40-43 "Luke 23:40-43 - The Penitent Thief and Jesus' Promise"), where the other criminal rebukes his companion and expresses a profound, saving faith, receiving Jesus' promise of paradise. This juxtaposition highlights the divergent paths of humanity in response to the suffering Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion was a brutal form of Roman execution, designed not only to inflict maximum suffering but also to publicly humiliate and deter rebellion. It was reserved for the lowest classes, slaves, and political insurgents, which explains why Jesus was crucified alongside "malefactors" or criminals. The location, Golgotha (or Calvary), outside Jerusalem's city walls, was a public spectacle. Jewish expectations for the Messiah were largely shaped by prophecies of a conquering king who would liberate Israel from foreign oppression, specifically Roman rule, and establish an earthly kingdom (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Kingdom")). The idea of a suffering Messiah, particularly one who would die a cursed death on a tree ([Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is he who hangs on a tree")), was a stumbling block for many, making the criminal's demand for a display of power understandable within this cultural framework, yet tragically misguided from a spiritual perspective.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 23:39](/luke/23-39 "Luke 23:39 - The Unrepentant Thief") contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the pervasive **unbelief and mockery** Jesus endured, even in His weakest state, demonstrating humanity's resistance to divine truth when it doesn't align with preconceived notions of power or deliverance. The criminal's demand, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us," highlights a profound **misunderstanding of Messiahship**, contrasting sharply with Jesus' own teachings about His kingdom not being of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and His mission to suffer and die for the sins of many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **human desperation and self-interest**, as the criminal's plea is born out of a desire for immediate physical deliverance from his own impending death, rather than spiritual redemption or repentance. This sets the stage for the powerful **contrast in responses to Jesus** between the two criminals, a theme central to understanding the nature of faith and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **malefactors (Greek, _kakoûrgos'_):** From _kakós_ (bad, evil) and the base of _érgon_ (work), this term literally means "evil-doer" or "wrong-doer." It emphasizes that the individuals crucified with Jesus were indeed criminals, justly condemned by the law, highlighting the stark reality of their deserved punishment in contrast to Jesus' innocent suffering.
* **railed (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** This verb signifies "to vilify," "to speak impiously," or "to blaspheme." It is more than a mere insult; it denotes a disrespectful and impious attack, especially against divine authority or sacred things. The criminal's railing is not just an expression of frustration but a direct, contemptuous challenge to Jesus' divine claims and identity.
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "safe," this verb means "to deliver or protect," whether literally or figuratively. While it can refer to physical preservation, its broader theological meaning encompasses spiritual salvation, healing, and making whole. In this context, the criminal uses it in a purely physical sense, demanding a miraculous escape from crucifixion, demonstrating his limited understanding of Jesus' true redemptive power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the malefactors which were hanged":** This phrase immediately establishes the setting and characters. Jesus is not alone in His suffering but is positioned between two convicted criminals, emphasizing His humiliation and association with the condemned. The term "malefactors" underscores their guilt and the justice of their earthly punishment.
* **"railed on him, saying,":** This describes the criminal's aggressive and disrespectful action. To "rail on" someone implies a harsh, abusive verbal assault. The Greek term _blasphēméō_ suggests a deeper impiety, indicating a contemptuous challenge to Jesus' authority and identity, echoing the mockery of the religious leaders and soldiers.
* **"If thou be Christ,":** This is a conditional statement, expressing doubt and challenging Jesus' messianic claim. It mirrors the taunts heard earlier in the narrative, where Jesus was dared to prove His identity by saving Himself. The criminal's "if" reveals his skepticism and his demand for a tangible, immediate demonstration of power.
* **"save thyself and us.":** This is the core of the criminal's demand. It reveals his self-centered desire for physical deliverance from his own impending death. He sees Jesus not as a spiritual savior but as a potential magical rescuer who could use His alleged power to escape their shared predicament, failing to grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus' mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:39 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the criminal, facing death, demands that the very one who is the source of eternal life save himself and them from physical death, completely missing the spiritual salvation Jesus offers. There is also strong **Characterization** through dialogue; the criminal's words immediately paint him as cynical, self-serving, and devoid of spiritual insight, setting him in stark contrast to the other criminal who will soon demonstrate faith. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the criminal's demand for a physical rescue highlights a common misconception about the Messiah that Jesus consistently subverted, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual nature of His victory over sin and death, rather than a political or physical one. Finally, the **Juxtaposition** of this criminal's hardened heart with the subsequent repentance of the other thief creates a dramatic tension that underscores the theme of choice in the face of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the human tendency to demand tangible proof and immediate gratification from God, often failing to grasp the deeper spiritual realities at play. The criminal's taunt, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us," encapsulates a common misunderstanding of the Messiah's role—one focused on earthly power and physical deliverance rather than spiritual redemption and self-sacrifice. It highlights the profound chasm between human expectations and God's divine plan, where salvation comes not through a display of raw power to avoid suffering, but through the sacrificial suffering itself. This moment underscores the radical nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is "not of this world," and the spiritual nature of the salvation He offers, which transcends physical circumstances. It challenges us to examine our own motives when approaching God: are we seeking a convenient escape from our troubles, or are we seeking genuine transformation and reconciliation with Him?

* [Matthew 16:21-23](/matthew/16-21-23 "Matthew 16:21-23 - Jesus Predicts His Death")
* [1 Corinthians 1:22-24](/1_corinthians/1-22-24 "1 Corinthians 1:22-24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:39 serves as a stark mirror reflecting the human heart's capacity for hardened unbelief, even in the face of divine suffering. The criminal's demand for Jesus to save himself and them is a desperate plea born of self-preservation, entirely missing the profound spiritual deliverance Jesus was accomplishing. This challenges us to consider our own posture before Christ: do we approach Him with demands, seeking only physical comfort or an escape from our circumstances, or do we come with humility, acknowledging our sin and trusting in His sovereign plan, even when it involves suffering? The scene at Calvary, with its two criminals, presents a timeless choice: to rail against God in our pain, or to turn to Him in repentant faith. Our response to Jesus in our darkest moments reveals the true nature of our belief. We are called not to dictate terms to God, but to surrender to His will, trusting that His way, even through suffering, leads to ultimate salvation and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like the unrepentant criminal, sometimes demand that God act according to my expectations rather than trusting His sovereign will?**
* **How does my understanding of "salvation" align with or differ from the physical deliverance sought by the criminal? Am I primarily seeking rescue from earthly troubles or spiritual redemption?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of true faith, especially in times of extreme difficulty or suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why did the criminal mock Jesus instead of asking for help?**

Answer: The criminal's words were a form of mockery and a challenge, rather than a humble request for help. His demand, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us," echoes the taunts of the religious leaders and soldiers earlier in [Luke 23](/luke/23 "Luke 23 - The Crucifixion of Jesus"). This reflects a widespread misunderstanding of Jesus' Messiahship, which many expected to be a display of earthly power and political deliverance, not sacrificial suffering. The criminal, in his desperation and cynicism, likely saw Jesus as a failed messianic claimant and sought to provoke Him into a miraculous display of power that would benefit himself, rather than seeking spiritual salvation or expressing genuine faith. His response highlights a hardened heart and a lack of spiritual discernment, contrasting sharply with the other criminal's later repentance in [Luke 23:40-43](/luke/23-40-43 "Luke 23:40-43 - The Penitent Thief").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:39, though a scene of profound human unbelief, powerfully underscores the necessity and nature of Christ's atoning work. The criminal's demand for Jesus to "save thyself and us" highlights the very temptation Jesus resisted in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) and in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"))—to achieve His mission through means other than the cross. Had Jesus saved Himself from the cross, He would have invalidated His entire purpose as the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His refusal to descend from the cross, despite the taunts, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's redemptive plan, a plan that required His suffering and death as a propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Thus, the criminal's cynical challenge ironically magnifies Christ's steadfast obedience and the true nature of His saving work: not a physical rescue from a Roman cross, but a spiritual deliverance from the eternal consequences of sin, achieved precisely *through* His willingness to endure the cross for the sake of humanity ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

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 27:44

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

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.

Luke 23:35

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Luke 23:37

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

Luke 17:34

I tell you, in that night there shall be two [men] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Luke 17:35

Two [women] shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.