Luke 23:44

KJV

¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it was {G2258} about {G5616} the sixth {G1623} hour {G5610}, and {G2532} there was {G1096} a darkness {G4655} over {G1909} all {G3650} the earth {G1093} until {G2193} the ninth {G1766} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was now about noon, and darkness covered the whole Land until three o’clock in the afternoon;

Berean Standard Bible

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour.

American Standard Version

And it was now about the sixth hour, and a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:44 records a profoundly significant and supernatural event during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: a sudden, inexplicable darkness that enveloped the entire land from noon until three in the afternoon. This cosmic phenomenon, occurring as Jesus endured the cross, signaled a moment of immense divine intervention and judgment, underscoring the unparalleled spiritual gravity of the atoning work being accomplished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 23:44 is situated within Luke's detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion, immediately following the mocking of the rulers and soldiers and the interaction with the two criminals crucified alongside Him. It precedes Jesus' final words and His death, which Luke records in [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Death"). The darkness serves as a dramatic, divinely orchestrated prelude to the climactic moment of Jesus' surrender of His spirit, emphasizing the cosmic significance of His sacrifice. The subsequent tearing of the temple veil in [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil") further reinforces the theological implications of this darkness, signaling a radical shift in God's relationship with humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion took place outside Jerusalem, likely at Golgotha, during the Passover festival. Jewish timekeeping, used by Luke, reckoned the day from 6 AM. Thus, the "sixth hour" was noon, and the "ninth hour" was 3 PM. This timing is crucial because Passover occurs during a full moon, making a natural solar eclipse impossible. Therefore, the darkness was not a mere astronomical event but a supernatural occurrence. Ancient sources, such as Thallus (cited by Julius Africanus) and Phlegon (cited by Origen), even mention unusual darkness during this period, suggesting its widespread notice. This extraordinary darkness would have been understood by both Jewish and Gentile observers as a sign of divine displeasure or a significant, ominous event.
* **Key Themes:** The darkness at the crucifixion contributes to several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Cosmic Significance**, demonstrating that Jesus' death was not merely a human execution but a divinely orchestrated event of immense universal consequence, as also noted in [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") and [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"). Secondly, it evokes the Old Testament theme of **Judgment and Divine Wrath**, where darkness often accompanies God's judgment upon sin, as seen in the plague of darkness in [Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "Exodus 10:21-23 - The Plague of Darkness") or prophetic warnings of a "day of the Lord" marked by darkness in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun Shall Be Turned into Darkness") and [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - The Sun Will Go Down at Noon"). This suggests that the wrath due to humanity's sin was being poured out upon Jesus. Thirdly, it underscores the **Weight of Atonement**, signifying the profound spiritual agony and separation Jesus experienced as He bore the sins of the world and faced the full measure of divine judgment, leading to His cry of abandonment in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** This term (G4655) refers to shadiness or obscurity, often carrying a deeper theological meaning beyond mere absence of light. In biblical contexts, it frequently symbolizes moral or spiritual obscurity, evil, or a state of divine judgment and wrath. Its application here suggests a supernatural, ominous gloom that reflects the spiritual battle and divine judgment unfolding.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This word (G1093) can refer to soil, a specific region, or the entire terrene globe. In this context, "over all the earth" (G1909 G3650 G1093) implies a widespread, if not universal, phenomenon, emphasizing the cosmic scale of the event rather than just a localized shadow. It underscores that the events at Calvary had implications for the entire created order.
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb (G1096) means "to become," "come into being," or "happen." Its use here emphasizes the active, intentional occurrence of the darkness—it "happened" or "came to be"—rather than a passive state. This reinforces the idea that the darkness was a divinely orchestrated event, not a natural phenomenon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it was about the sixth hour,"**: This clause establishes the precise timing of the event according to Jewish reckoning, which began the day at 6 AM. The "sixth hour" corresponds to noon, indicating that the darkness began at the height of the day, making its occurrence even more striking and unnatural. The "¶" symbol in the KJV often denotes a new paragraph or a significant break in the narrative, highlighting the importance of this moment.
* **"and there was a darkness over all the earth"**: This describes the supernatural phenomenon itself. The use of "darkness" (Greek _skótos_) suggests a profound, unnatural gloom. The phrase "over all the earth" (or "over all the land") indicates its widespread nature, emphasizing that this was not a localized cloud or a typical eclipse, but a cosmic sign. It points to a divine action impacting the natural order.
* **"until the ninth hour."**: This specifies the duration of the darkness. The "ninth hour" corresponds to 3 PM, meaning the darkness lasted for approximately three hours. This extended period, from noon to mid-afternoon, further underscores its miraculous and divinely imposed nature, serving as a period of intense spiritual significance before Jesus' death.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in [Luke 23:44](/luke/23-44 "Luke 23:44 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") powerfully employs **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. The sudden, inexplicable darkness serves as a dramatic **Foreshadowing** of the profound spiritual and cosmic upheaval occurring as Jesus bears the world's sin. It signals the approach of the climactic moment of His death and the tearing of the temple veil, which immediately follows. The darkness itself is rich in **Symbolism**. It symbolizes divine judgment and wrath, echoing Old Testament prophecies where darkness accompanies the "Day of the Lord" and God's intervention in human history. It also symbolizes the spiritual separation Jesus experienced as He became sin for humanity, bearing the full weight of God's holy wrath. Furthermore, the contrast between the midday sun and the sudden, unnatural gloom creates a stark **Juxtaposition**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the event and the gravity of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The darkness at the crucifixion is a profound theological statement, signifying that the death of Jesus was no ordinary execution but a cosmic event of immense spiritual magnitude. It reveals God's active involvement in the atonement, pouring out His righteous wrath against sin upon His Son. This period of darkness symbolizes the profound spiritual agony and separation Jesus endured as He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, becoming a curse for us. It underscores the holiness of God, who cannot countenance sin, and the depth of His love, as He provided the perfect sacrifice in Christ. The darkness is a visible manifestation of the invisible spiritual reality of judgment and redemption unfolding on the cross.

* [Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "Exodus 10:21-23 - The Plague of Darkness")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun Shall Be Turned into Darkness")
* [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - I Will Make the Sun Go Down at Noon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The three hours of darkness surrounding Christ's crucifixion compel us to reflect on the immense cost of our redemption and the unfathomable love of God. This divine intervention serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin, which necessitated such a profound and supernatural display of judgment. It was not merely physical suffering that Jesus endured, but the spiritual anguish of bearing the world's sin and experiencing separation from the Father. For us, this means that the full penalty for our transgressions has been paid. We are invited to gaze upon the cross, not just as a historical event, but as the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy converging. This understanding should lead to profound gratitude, deep humility, and a renewed commitment to live in light of such a costly salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the darkness at the crucifixion deepen your understanding of the severity of sin and the holiness of God?**
* **What does the three-hour duration of the darkness communicate about the nature of Jesus' suffering on the cross?**
* **How does this passage impact your appreciation for the atonement and the completeness of Christ's work?**
* **In what ways should the cosmic significance of Christ's death influence your daily walk and witness?**

### FAQ
**Was the darkness at the crucifixion a solar eclipse?**

Answer: No, the darkness described in [Luke 23:44](/luke/23-44 "Luke 23:44 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") and corroborated by [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") and [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") could not have been a natural solar eclipse. The crucifixion occurred during the Passover festival, which always takes place at the time of the full moon. A solar eclipse, by definition, can only happen during a new moon, when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Therefore, this three-hour darkness, occurring from noon to 3 PM, was a supernatural event, a divine sign rather than a natural phenomenon.

**What is the significance of the darkness lasting three hours?**

Answer: The three-hour duration of the darkness (from the "sixth hour" to the "ninth hour," or noon to 3 PM) is highly significant. It emphasizes the supernatural and intentional nature of the event, indicating it was not a fleeting or localized occurrence. Theologically, this period likely represents the time when Jesus bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin. It was a time of intense spiritual battle and separation, culminating in Jesus' cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). This extended period underscores the depth of the atonement and the immense suffering Christ endured on behalf of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The darkness at the crucifixion, as described in [Luke 23:44](/luke/23-44 "Luke 23:44 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in revealing Jesus as the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world. This cosmic darkness symbolizes the moment when the Son of God, who is "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), willingly entered into the deepest spiritual darkness—the bearing of divine judgment for sin. Just as the Old Testament prophets foretold a day of darkness as a sign of God's judgment ([Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - The Sun Will Go Down at Noon")), this event demonstrates that Jesus fully absorbed that judgment, becoming "sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His descent into this spiritual gloom on the cross paradoxically brings about the dawn of salvation, ushering believers out of "darkness into his wonderful light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")). The darkness at Calvary is a powerful testament to the severity of sin and the infinite love of Christ, who endured the ultimate separation from God so that those who believe might have eternal light and reconciliation with the Father ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

Mark 15:33

¶ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Matthew 27:52

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

John 19:14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!