23:40 23:40

Luke 23:41

23:42 23:42

Bible Versions

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And {G2532} we {G2249} indeed {G3303} justly {G1346}; for {G1063} we receive {G618} the due reward {G514} of our {G3739} deeds {G4238}: but {G1161} this man {G3778} hath done {G4238} nothing {G3762} amiss {G824}.
Ours is only fair; we’re getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man did nothing wrong.”
We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Luke 23:41 captures a pivotal moment on Calvary, spoken by one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus. This verse reveals the profound self-awareness and spiritual insight of the 'penitent thief,' who acknowledges his own deserved punishment while unequivocally affirming Jesus' complete innocence. It stands as a powerful testimony from an unexpected source at the very hour of Christ's greatest humiliation.

Context

This verse is set during the crucifixion of Jesus, a central event in the Christian narrative. Jesus is being executed between two criminals, a common practice for Roman crucifixions. The scene is one of intense suffering, public ridicule, and spiritual confrontation. Prior to this, one of the criminals had mocked Jesus, urging Him to save himself and them (Luke 23:39). In stark contrast, the other criminal, recognizing the divine moment and his own sin, rebukes his companion and then addresses Jesus.

Key Themes

  • Acknowledgement of Guilt: The criminal's confession, "And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds," is a remarkable display of humility and self-awareness. He admits that his suffering is a direct consequence of his actions, aligning with the concept of divine justice. This contrasts sharply with the world's tendency to deny responsibility or blame others.
  • Affirmation of Jesus' Innocence: His declaration, "but this man hath done nothing amiss," is a powerful, unsolicited testimony to Jesus' blamelessness. Coming from a condemned criminal, it carries significant weight, confirming what Pilate had repeatedly stated (John 19:4) and what the Roman centurion would later acknowledge (Luke 23:47). It underscores the truth that Jesus was suffering not for His own sins, but for the sins of humanity.
  • Contrast of Justice: The verse highlights the stark difference between the just punishment of the criminals and the unjust suffering of Jesus. While the criminals faced the consequences of their deeds, Jesus, the innocent one, bore the penalty for others, fulfilling the prophetic words of Isaiah 53:5.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "amiss" is ἄτοπον (atopos), which literally means "out of place," "improper," "absurd," or "wrong." It implies that Jesus' actions were not only not criminal but perfectly righteous and appropriate in every way. The criminal's statement is a definitive judgment that Jesus' suffering was entirely unwarranted from a human and moral perspective, emphasizing His unique status.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Humility and Repentance: The criminal's willingness to acknowledge his sin and its just consequences is a model for true repentance. It teaches that genuine turning to God begins with recognizing our own fallen state and need for grace.
  • Recognizing Christ's Righteousness: The criminal's testimony compels us to see Jesus as truly innocent, the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice was purely out of love and not due to any personal fault. This understanding deepens our appreciation for His atonement.
  • Hope for the Desperate: The immediate salvation granted to this criminal, as seen in Jesus' promise in Luke 23:43, offers immense hope. It illustrates that God's mercy is available even at life's very end, and that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or prolonged religious practice.

Luke 23:41 serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's perfect innocence and the transformative power of genuine repentance, even in the most dire circumstances.

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.

  • Leviticus 26:40

    ¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

  • Leviticus 26:41

    And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

  • Ezra 9:13

    And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities [deserve], and hast given us [such] deliverance as this;

  • Matthew 27:4

    Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

  • Matthew 27:24

    When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • James 4:7

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
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