Matthew 27:38

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

Then {G5119} were there two {G1417} thieves {G3027} crucified {G4717} with {G4862} him {G846}, one {G1520} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188}, and {G2532} another {G1520} on {G1537} the left {G2176}.

Then two robbers were placed on execution-stakes with him, one on the right and one on the left.

Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.

Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left.

Matthew 27:38 provides a stark visual detail of Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing the company He kept in His final hours. This verse places Him precisely in the midst of common criminals, fulfilling prophetic words and highlighting the nature of His sacrifice.

Context

This verse is set at Golgotha, also known as Calvary, the place of the skull, just outside Jerusalem's city walls. Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution reserved by the Roman Empire for the worst criminals, especially rebels and non-Roman citizens. The presence of two "thieves" (or bandits/robbers) alongside Jesus underscores the Roman authorities' intent to shame and disgrace Him by associating Him with common, violent offenders, rather than seeing Him as a political or religious threat of a different kind.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The placement of Jesus among criminals directly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, particularly from the book of Isaiah. The prophet foretold that the suffering servant "was numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). This detail confirms Jesus' role as the Messiah who takes on the sins of humanity.
  • Jesus' Humility and Identification with Sinners: By being crucified between two criminals, Jesus fully identified with the lowest and most despised members of society. This act demonstrates profound humility and His mission to save not the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17).
  • The Nature of the Atonement: Jesus' position illustrates that His death was not merely that of a martyr, but a substitutionary sacrifice. He, the sinless Son of God, was treated as a transgressor, bearing the penalty for humanity's sins, even while surrounded by actual transgressors.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word used here for "thieves" is lēstēs (λῃστής). While it can mean 'thief,' it often carries a stronger connotation of 'robber,' 'bandit,' or even 'insurrectionist' – someone who commits violent acts, often with a political undertone, similar to Barabbas (John 18:40). This suggests these were not petty criminals but serious offenders, further emphasizing the ignominy of Jesus' crucifixion alongside them.

Related Scriptures

The crucifixion account is central to all four Gospels. For parallel accounts of the two criminals, see Mark 15:27 and John 19:18. Luke's Gospel provides a more detailed interaction with these individuals, highlighting the repentance of one thief and Jesus' promise of paradise (Luke 23:39-43).

Practical Application

Matthew 27:38 reminds us of Jesus' willingness to descend to the lowest place, to be counted among the worst of sinners, in order to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. His death was not in isolation but intimately connected with the very people He came to save. This verse invites reflection on:

  • God's Radical Love: The extent to which God went to reconcile humanity to Himself.
  • Hope for the Lost: If Jesus was willing to die alongside violent criminals, there is hope for anyone, regardless of their past.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The scene powerfully displays both the just punishment for sin (represented by the criminals) and the boundless mercy offered through Christ's sacrifice.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 19:18

    Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Luke 23:32

    ¶ And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

  • Luke 23:33

    And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

  • John 19:31

    ¶ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away.

  • John 19:35

    And he that saw [it] bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

  • Matthew 27:44

    The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

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