Luke 23:43

KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, To day {G4594} shalt thou be {G2071} with {G3326} me {G1700} in {G1722} paradise {G3857}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “Yes! I promise that you will be with me today in Gan-‘Eden.”

Berean Standard Bible

And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:43 records Jesus' profound and comforting promise to the repentant criminal crucified alongside Him, declaring, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." This pivotal statement, uttered from the cross, underscores Jesus' divine authority over life and death, His boundless grace, and the immediate assurance of salvation for those who turn to Him in genuine faith, even in their final moments. It offers a powerful glimpse into the nature of God's redemptive plan and the immediate blessedness awaiting believers in the afterlife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is embedded within the dramatic and somber narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, following His arrest, trials, and the journey to Golgotha. The scene is one of immense suffering and public humiliation, yet it is also the stage for profound theological revelation. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with the Transgressors"). While one criminal joins the crowd in mocking Jesus, the other, often referred to as the "penitent thief," displays a remarkable and unexpected act of faith. He rebukes his companion, acknowledging their just condemnation, and then turns to Jesus with a plea for remembrance: [Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom](/luke/23-42 "Luke 23:42 - The Penitent Thief's Plea")." Jesus' response in [Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise of Paradise") is a direct, immediate, and authoritative answer to this heartfelt request, highlighting the transformative power of faith even at the brink of death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution employed by the Romans, designed to inflict maximum suffering and serve as a public deterrent. It was reserved for the lowest classes, slaves, and political rebels. The setting on Golgotha, outside Jerusalem's city walls, was a public spectacle. In Jewish thought, the concept of an afterlife was developing, with ideas of Sheol (the grave or underworld) and later, a more defined understanding of resurrection and a future kingdom. The term "paradise" would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, evoking images of a beautiful, enclosed garden, reminiscent of the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden of Eden"). This promise from Jesus, a condemned man, to another condemned man, would have been utterly counter-cultural, challenging the prevailing notions of justice, power, and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise of Paradise") powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Sovereignty of Grace**, demonstrating that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by works or rituals, as the thief had no opportunity for such. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on [salvation by grace through faith](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Authority** as the one who possesses the power to forgive sins and grant eternal life, even while undergoing the ultimate human weakness of crucifixion. His declaration is not merely comforting but authoritative, revealing His true identity as the Christ. Thirdly, the verse illuminates the **Immediate Assurance of Salvation**, dispelling any notion of an intermediate purgatorial state and affirming that believers enter directly into God's presence upon death, a theme echoed by Paul in [Philippians 1:23](/philippians/1-23 "Philippians 1:23 - To Depart and Be with Christ"). Finally, it touches upon the **Nature of Paradise**, presenting it as a place of blessed presence with God, a foretaste of the ultimate new heavens and new earth where God will [dwell with His people](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** From a Hebrew origin, this word means "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it signifies "surely" or "truly." Jesus frequently used "amen" (translated as "Verily" or "Truly") to preface statements of profound truth or divine authority, emphasizing the absolute certainty and reliability of His words. Here, it underscores the unfailing nature of His promise to the repentant criminal.
* **Today (Greek, _sḗmeron'_):** This term denotes "on this day" or "at present." Its inclusion is crucial, emphasizing the immediacy of the promise. It refutes any idea of a delayed entry into paradise or an intermediate state before reaching blessedness. The thief's transition into Jesus' presence would occur on the very day of his death.
* **Paradise (Greek, _parádeisos'_):** Of Oriental origin, this word originally referred to an enclosed park or royal garden, much like the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden of Eden"). In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew word for Eden. In the New Testament, it signifies a place of spiritual delight and blessedness in the afterlife, where the righteous dead reside in God's presence. It is a realm of comfort and communion, a foretaste of the eternal dwelling with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto him,"**: This clause establishes the direct and personal nature of Jesus' response. It highlights His attentiveness and compassion, even amidst His own excruciating suffering. It is a divine answer to a human plea, demonstrating Jesus' willingness to engage with individuals in their deepest need.
* **"Verily I say unto thee,"**: This authoritative preface underscores the absolute truth and certainty of what Jesus is about to declare. The use of "Verily" (amen) signifies a solemn and binding promise, rooted in Jesus' divine authority and unwavering faithfulness. It emphasizes that His words are not mere comfort but divine decree.
* **"To day shalt thou be with me"**: This is the core of the promise, emphasizing both immediacy ("To day") and intimate fellowship ("with me"). The "today" assures the thief of an immediate transition upon death, bypassing any purgatorial delay. The "with me" signifies a profound and personal communion with Christ, indicating that true blessedness lies in His presence.
* **"in paradise."**: This phrase specifies the destination of the thief's soul. "Paradise" denotes a place of blessedness, comfort, and rest in the afterlife, a spiritual garden where the righteous dead reside in God's presence. It is a place of peace and delight, far removed from the suffering of the cross, and a foretaste of the ultimate eternal dwelling with God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:43 is rich with literary and theological significance. The most prominent device is **Direct Speech**, as Jesus' words are quoted verbatim, lending immense authority and immediacy to the promise. This direct address to the repentant criminal underscores Jesus' personal engagement and compassion, even in His final moments. The statement also employs **Assurance**, providing immediate and unequivocal comfort to the thief, contrasting sharply with the despair of his situation. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony**: the King of Kings, seemingly defeated and dying, exercises His ultimate power by granting eternal life to a condemned criminal. This highlights the paradox of the cross, where weakness becomes strength and death leads to life. Finally, the use of **Symbolism** in "paradise" evokes the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect communion with God, suggesting a restoration of what was lost through sin and foreshadowing the ultimate restoration of all things in God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:43 stands as a cornerstone of Christian soteriology, powerfully articulating the immediate and unmerited nature of salvation through faith in Christ. It demonstrates that God's grace is sovereign and extends even to the most unlikely recipients, regardless of their past deeds or the brevity of their repentance. This verse fundamentally affirms that true faith, expressed even at the eleventh hour, is sufficient for entry into God's presence. It also highlights Jesus' unique authority as the one who holds the keys to death and Hades, capable of granting eternal life. The promise of "today" being "with me in paradise" assures believers of an immediate transition into blessed fellowship with Christ upon death, a truth that offers profound comfort and hope.

* [2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")
* [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - The Tree of Life in Paradise")
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:43 offers immense comfort and profound theological insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful testament to the boundless grace of God, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His redemptive love, even in their final moments. The story of the repentant thief reminds us that salvation is not a reward for a lifetime of good deeds but a gift freely given to those who turn to Christ in genuine faith, regardless of their past. This verse provides unwavering assurance that for those who have placed their trust in Jesus, death is not an end but an immediate transition into the glorious presence of the Lord. It encourages us to live with the confidence that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ, and to extend the same radical grace and hope to others, knowing that God's power to save is absolute and instantaneous. It also challenges us to consider the depth of Jesus' compassion, even as He endured unimaginable suffering, His focus remained on the salvation of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediacy of Jesus' promise to the thief challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation and the afterlife?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of God's grace and His willingness to save those who turn to Him, regardless of their past?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' compassion on the cross, even amidst His own suffering, inspire your faith and understanding of His character?**
* **How might this passage encourage someone who is struggling with doubt about their salvation or the salvation of a loved one?**

### FAQ
**Does Luke 23:43 imply that there is no intermediate state or purgatory after death?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" strongly suggests an immediate transition for the believer into a state of blessedness in the presence of Christ upon death. The word "today" (Greek: _sḗmeron_) emphasizes the immediacy, leaving no room for a prolonged intermediate state or purgatory as understood in some theological traditions. This aligns with other New Testament passages, such as [2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord"), where Paul states that to be "absent from the body" is to be "present with the Lord," indicating a direct and immediate fellowship with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:43 is a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very essence of Jesus' redemptive work. From the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love, Jesus, as the sovereign Lord, extends the promise of eternal life. His ability to grant immediate entry into "paradise" (Greek: _parádeisos_) demonstrates His divine authority over death and the afterlife, a power that only God possesses. This promise is a direct consequence of His impending sacrifice, for it is through His atoning death that the way to God's presence is opened for humanity. The thief's salvation, secured by a simple act of faith in Jesus' kingship, foreshadows the universal offer of salvation made possible by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus' resurrection, which would follow just days later, confirms His victory over sin and death, validating His promise and ensuring that all who believe in Him will indeed be [raised with Him to new life](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life") and ultimately share in His eternal glory, dwelling with Him in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, this verse is not merely a comforting word but a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the Christ, the giver of life, and the one who fulfills God's eternal plan of salvation.

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

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

1 Timothy 1:15

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.