Luke 23:42

KJV

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto Jesus {G2424}, Lord {G2962}, remember {G3415} me {G3450} when {G3752} thou comest {G2064} into {G1722} thy {G4675} kingdom {G932}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said, “Yeshua, remember me when you come as King.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

American Standard Version

And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:42 captures the extraordinary plea of one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, often referred to as the "penitent thief." In a moment of profound suffering and impending death, this man, recognizing Jesus' true identity and future reign despite His present humiliation, humbly requests to be remembered when Jesus enters His kingdom. This poignant exchange stands as a powerful testament to the accessibility of God's grace and the simplicity of faith, even in the direst circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic crucifixion narrative in Luke's Gospel, immediately following the various groups of people—the rulers, soldiers, and even one of the criminals—mocking Jesus (Luke 23:35-39). The scene is set on Golgotha, where Jesus is crucified between two condemned men. The dialogue in Luke 23:40-41, where the penitent thief rebukes his companion and acknowledges Jesus' innocence, directly precedes his plea in Luke 23:42. This sets up Jesus' immediate and gracious response in [Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise of Paradise"). The entire sequence highlights Jesus' compassion and authority even in His deepest suffering, contrasting the hardened unbelief of many with the desperate, last-minute faith of one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment employed by the Romans, typically reserved for slaves, rebels, and the lowest classes of criminals. It was a public spectacle designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation, serving as a deterrent. The Jewish people, at this time, largely anticipated a Messiah who would be a conquering king, liberating them from Roman rule and establishing an earthly kingdom. The idea of a crucified Messiah was scandalous (as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - The Scandal of the Cross")), and the mockery Jesus endured reflected this disconnect from their expectations. The thief's recognition of Jesus' "kingdom" despite His apparent defeat is remarkable, suggesting an understanding that transcended common cultural and religious assumptions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **Sovereignty of Jesus' Kingship**, affirming His royal authority even as He hangs on a cross, in stark contrast to the taunts of the crowd and religious leaders (see [Luke 23:35-37](/luke/23-35-37 "Luke 23:35-37 - Mockery of Jesus")). It is a profound illustration of **Salvation by Grace Through Faith**, demonstrating that salvation is not earned through works or rituals but freely given to those who turn to Jesus in genuine belief, as highlighted in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). The thief's plea exemplifies **True Repentance and Humble Faith**, showing a turning from sin and a turning toward Christ, even in the final moments of life. Finally, it speaks to the **Nature of Jesus' Kingdom**, revealing it to be not of this world (as Jesus Himself stated in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but a spiritual and eternal dominion that transcends earthly limitations and death itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962), derived from a word meaning "supremacy," denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or a master. By addressing Jesus as "Lord," the thief elevates Jesus beyond a mere man or prophet, acknowledging His divine authority and sovereign power, even as Jesus is being crucified. This title implies a recognition of Jesus as the rightful ruler and a plea for His benevolent exercise of that rule.
* **remember (Greek, _mnáomai'_):** The Greek word (G3415) means "to bear in mind" or "recollect," but it also carries the implication of "to reward or punish." In this context, the thief is not merely asking for a casual recollection but for Jesus to act on his behalf, to include him in the blessings and benefits of His coming reign. It's a plea for active, redemptive remembrance, a petition for inclusion in Jesus' future glory.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** This word (G932) signifies "royalty," "rule," or "a realm" (literally or figuratively). The thief's use of "kingdom" demonstrates a profound understanding that Jesus' authority and dominion extended beyond His earthly life and the immediate circumstances of the crucifixion. He grasped that Jesus' rule was eternal and spiritual, a realm into which he desperately desired entry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto Jesus":** This clause identifies the speaker as the penitent thief, setting the stage for his direct address to Jesus. It highlights the personal and intimate nature of this final conversation between a dying man and his dying Savior.
* **"Lord, remember me":** This is the heart of the thief's plea. The address "Lord" signifies his recognition of Jesus' divine authority and kingship, even in His apparent weakness. The request to "remember me" is not a casual one, but a deep, faith-filled cry for inclusion in Jesus' future, a plea for salvation and eternal life.
* **"when thou comest into thy kingdom":** This phrase reveals the thief's remarkable faith. Despite seeing Jesus crucified, he believes Jesus will indeed "come into" His kingdom, indicating a belief in Jesus' resurrection, ascension, and ultimate reign. It expresses his hope for a place in that future, eternal dominion, demonstrating a spiritual insight that eluded many others present.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of the penitent thief masterfully employs several **literary devices**. There is profound **Irony** in the scene: while the religious leaders and Roman soldiers mock Jesus as a king (Luke 23:36-37), it is a condemned criminal, dying alongside Him, who truly recognizes and acknowledges His kingship. This stark **Contrast** between the hardened unbelief of the other thief and the humble, last-minute faith of this man serves to highlight the transformative power of Jesus' presence. The thief's statement also contains an element of **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, as he speaks of Jesus' "coming into His kingdom," implicitly affirming the future resurrection and ascension of Christ to His heavenly throne, which would indeed establish His eternal reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:42 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of salvation and God's boundless grace. It unequivocally demonstrates that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not by human merit or religious ritual. The thief had no time for good works, baptism, or adherence to religious laws; his salvation was based solely on his recognition of Jesus' lordship and his humble, sincere plea. This moment underscores the immediate accessibility of God's kingdom to all who genuinely turn to Christ, regardless of their past or present circumstances, affirming that it is never too late to experience divine forgiveness and enter into a relationship with God.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation"): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the penitent thief offers immense hope and comfort to believers across all generations. It powerfully assures us that God's grace is not limited by our past failures, our present circumstances, or even our final moments. This passage challenges any notion that salvation is earned through a lifetime of good deeds or religious adherence, instead pointing to the simple, yet profound, act of turning to Jesus in faith. It reminds us that God's forgiveness is immediate and unconditional for those who humbly acknowledge Jesus as Lord and King. The thief's story encourages us to embrace the simplicity of faith, to trust in Jesus' sovereign authority, and to never despair, knowing that His kingdom is open to all who call upon His name with a sincere heart, even at the eleventh hour.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the penitent thief's faith teach us about the nature of true belief, especially when faced with extreme adversity?**
* **How does this passage challenge any preconceived notions we might have about who is worthy or deserving of God's grace?**
* **In what ways can I, like the thief, acknowledge Jesus' kingship and humbly seek His remembrance in my own life, particularly during times of doubt or suffering?**

### FAQ
**Was the thief truly saved without being baptized or performing any good works?**

Answer: Yes, the thief was truly saved. This passage is a powerful demonstration of salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works or religious rituals. While baptism is an important act of obedience and a public declaration of faith, it is not a prerequisite for salvation itself, which is a gift received through belief in Jesus Christ. The thief's unique circumstances, dying on a cross, precluded any opportunity for baptism or a life of good works. His salvation rested solely on his genuine repentance and his profound faith in Jesus' identity as Lord and King, evident in his plea. Jesus' immediate response in [Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise of Paradise") ("Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise") confirms that his faith was sufficient for immediate entry into God's presence. This account highlights God's sovereign grace and the accessibility of salvation to all who, by faith, call upon the name of the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:42 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, even in His crucifixion. The thief's plea, "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom," is answered not by a distant, future monarch, but by the very One who, through His death on the cross, was actively inaugurating His spiritual kingdom. Jesus' response in [Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise of Paradise")—"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise"—reveals that His kingdom is not merely a future hope, but a present reality accessible through Him. Jesus, as the sacrificial [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), paid the ultimate price to open the way to this kingdom. His resurrection on the third day (as prophesied in [Luke 24:7](/luke/24-7 "Luke 24:7 - Prophecy of Jesus' Resurrection")) and subsequent ascension to the right hand of God (as described in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")) definitively established His eternal reign and demonstrated His power over sin and death. Thus, the thief's request is fulfilled by Christ's redemptive work, making salvation and entry into God's eternal presence possible for all who, like the thief, turn to Him in faith, acknowledging Him as their [Lord and Savior](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Jesus as Lord").

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

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.