Luke 23:40

Commentary on Luke 23:40 (KJV)

Luke 23:40: "But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?"

Context

This powerful verse occurs during the dramatic scene of Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Golgotha. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, often referred to as "thieves" or "malefactors." In the preceding verse (Luke 23:39), one of these criminals mocks Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself and them. Luke 23:40 presents the stark contrast, as the "other" criminal, traditionally known as the "penitent thief" or "good thief," intervenes to rebuke his companion. This moment highlights the differing responses to Jesus even in His dying hours, and sets the stage for a profound exchange about salvation and faith.

Key Themes

• The Fear of God: The primary question posed by the penitent thief, "Dost not thou fear God?", reveals a fundamental understanding of divine judgment and reverence. Even in his own suffering and impending death, he recognizes God's sovereignty and the gravity of their situation. This "fear" (Greek: phobeomai) is not mere terror, but a profound awe and respect for God's holiness and justice.
• Shared Condemnation and Justice: The thief acknowledges their shared predicament – "seeing thou art in the same condemnation." This implies an understanding that their suffering is a just consequence of their own actions, a recognition of their guilt before both human and divine law. This contrasts sharply with the unrepentant thief's defiance and lack of self-awareness.
• Repentance and Humility: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the rebuke itself stems from a heart that has begun to acknowledge its own sinfulness and the justice of its punishment. This humility paves the way for the profound faith expressed in the subsequent verses, leading to Jesus' promise of paradise (Luke 23:43).
• Moral Discernment Amidst Despair: Despite being a condemned criminal, this thief demonstrates remarkable spiritual insight. He perceives the injustice of Jesus' suffering and rebukes the blasphemy of his fellow criminal, showcasing a form of moral clarity that transcends his dire circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Dost not thou fear God" uses the Greek word phobeomai (φοβέομαι), which encompasses both a sense of terror or dread, and a reverential awe or respect. In this context, it carries the weight of acknowledging God's ultimate authority and judgment, especially for those facing death. The word "condemnation" (Greek: krima, κρίμα) refers to the judgment or sentence. The thief recognizes that their sentence is just, differentiating their plight from Jesus' innocent suffering.

Practical Application

Luke 23:40 offers several powerful lessons for believers today:

• A Call to Self-Examination: The thief's question serves as a timeless reminder for us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly fear God in a reverential and obedient sense? Do we acknowledge our own sinfulness and the justice of God's standards?
• Humility in Suffering: When facing difficult circumstances or consequences, acknowledging our own role or the justice of our situation (if applicable) is a crucial step towards spiritual growth and genuine repentance.
• The Power of Repentance: This verse, in conjunction with the subsequent verses, powerfully illustrates that true repentance, even at the very last moment of life, can lead to salvation. It underscores the boundless grace and mercy of God available to those who turn to Him. The thief's actions here are a precursor to his plea for remembrance, which Jesus honors (Luke 23:42).
• Speaking Truth in Challenging Situations: The penitent thief, though suffering, had the courage to rebuke sin and uphold truth. This encourages believers to speak out for righteousness, even when it is difficult or unpopular.