Matthew 27:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:38 vividly portrays the crucifixion of Jesus alongside two criminals, one on His right and one on His left. This stark detail emphasizes the profound humiliation and public disgrace intended by the Roman authorities, while simultaneously fulfilling ancient prophecy and underscoring Jesus' radical identification with humanity's sinfulness as He offered Himself as the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' passion, immediately following His arrival at Golgotha, the offering of sour wine, and the casting of lots for His garments ([Matthew 27:33-37](/matthew/27-33-37 "Matthew 27:33-37 - The Crucifixion Account")). The placement of the two criminals frames Jesus' suffering, intensifying the visual of His abasement. The subsequent verses describe the mockery from passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders, further highlighting the public nature of His crucifixion and the contempt directed at Him ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross")). This arrangement underscores the Roman intent to portray Jesus not as a political threat, but as a common, violent criminal, deserving of the most ignominious death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating method of execution employed by the Roman Empire, primarily for slaves, rebels, and the lowest class of criminals, especially those deemed a threat to Roman order. It was designed to inflict maximum pain, public shame, and serve as a deterrent. The "thieves" mentioned (Greek _lēistai_) were likely not mere petty pilferers but rather bandits or insurrectionists, often involved in violent acts or resistance against Roman authority, similar to Barabbas ([John 18:40](/john/18-40 "John 18:40 - Barabbas, a Robber")). Their presence on either side of Jesus was a deliberate act by the Roman authorities to associate Him with the most despised and dangerous elements of society, thereby degrading His claims and discrediting His followers. The location, Golgotha (Calvary), was outside the city walls, a common place for executions, further emphasizing the public spectacle and ritualistic defilement.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:38 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' placement "with the transgressors" directly echoes [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors"), solidifying His identity as the Suffering Servant Messiah. This verse also powerfully illustrates Jesus' **Identification with Sinners**, demonstrating His profound humility and mission to save the lost by being counted among them, rather than standing apart from them ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). Finally, it highlights the **Nature of the Atonement**, portraying Jesus' death not merely as martyrdom but as a substitutionary sacrifice where the sinless Son of God bore the penalty for humanity's transgressions, even as He was surrounded by those who truly deserved condemnation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thieves (Greek, _lēistḗs_):** From (to plunder); a brigand. This term, as used here, signifies more than a petty thief. It refers to a robber, bandit, or even an insurrectionist—someone who commits violent acts, often with a political or revolutionary connotation. This distinguishes them from mere pilferers and underscores the severity of their crimes, further highlighting the ignominy of Jesus' crucifixion alongside them.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō_):** From σταυρός; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness. This verb describes the specific, brutal method of execution, emphasizing the physical suffering and public humiliation involved. Its figurative meaning also points to the spiritual death to sin that believers experience through identification with Christ's sacrifice.
* **right hand (Greek, _dexiós_):** From δέχομαι; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes). In many cultures, including ancient Jewish tradition, the right hand symbolized honor, authority, and favor. Jesus' placement between two criminals, one on His right and one on His left, is a profound inversion of honor, turning a position of potential prestige into one of ultimate shame, yet paradoxically, it also foreshadows His ultimate triumph and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then were there two thieves crucified with him,"**: This clause immediately establishes the context of Jesus' crucifixion, not in isolation, but in the company of two other condemned individuals. The term "thieves" (Greek _lēistai_) suggests they were violent criminals or bandits, perhaps even rebels, emphasizing the Roman intent to categorize Jesus among the worst offenders. This positioning was a deliberate act of public shaming, designed to associate Jesus with the most despised elements of society and undermine any claims of His innocence or divine authority.
* **"one on the right hand, and another on the left."**: This detail specifies the precise arrangement: Jesus was centrally positioned between the two criminals. In ancient cultures, positions to the right or left often carried symbolic weight, with the right typically signifying honor or favor, and the left, dishonor or a lesser status. Here, Jesus is placed in the middle of two condemned men, a position of profound humiliation and association with sin, reinforcing the idea that He was "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant")). This arrangement also sets the stage for the dramatic interaction with the two criminals described in Luke's Gospel ([Luke 23:39-43](/luke/23-39-43 "Luke 23:39-43 - The Repentant Thief")).

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:38 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical arrangement of Jesus between two criminals symbolizes His profound identification with humanity's sinfulness and His role as the atoning sacrifice. His central position, usually reserved for the most significant figure, is here inverted to signify ultimate disgrace, yet it paradoxically highlights His pivotal role in the drama of salvation. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play; the Roman authorities intend to shame Jesus by associating Him with criminals, but in doing so, they unwittingly fulfill ancient prophecy and underscore the very nature of His redemptive mission—to save sinners. This verse also serves as a direct **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically from [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant"), which states that the Suffering Servant would be "numbered with the transgressors." This literary connection reinforces the divine orchestration behind the events of the crucifixion, demonstrating that even in His deepest humiliation, Jesus was acting according to God's predetermined plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:38 is a profound theological statement, illustrating the depths to which God's love would go to reconcile humanity to Himself. By being crucified between two criminals, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, fully entered into the human condition of sin and condemnation, bearing the ultimate shame and penalty that humanity deserved. This act underscores the substitutionary nature of His atonement: He became 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 position among transgressors proclaims that His sacrifice was not for the righteous, but for the ungodly, offering hope and redemption to all who recognize their need for a Savior, regardless of their past.

* [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors")
* [Mark 15:27-28](/mark/15-27-28 "Mark 15:27-28 - Jesus Crucified with Two Robbers")
* [Luke 23:32-33](/luke/23-32-33 "Luke 23:32-33 - Two Criminals Led with Jesus to be Executed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:38 powerfully invites us to contemplate the radical nature of God's love and the profound humility of Christ. Jesus, the Lord of Glory, willingly embraced the lowest form of human degradation, being counted among the worst of sinners, to accomplish our salvation. This scene challenges our notions of status and worth, reminding us that God's grace extends to the most marginalized and condemned. It offers immense hope, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy, for if Jesus was willing to die alongside violent criminals, He is certainly willing to save anyone who turns to Him in faith. This verse calls us to embrace humility, to identify with the broken and the lost, and to never underestimate the transformative power of the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' placement between two criminals challenge your understanding of His identity and mission?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's radical love and willingness to identify with humanity's sin?**
* **In what ways does the humility displayed by Jesus on the cross inspire or challenge your own life?**
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in the divine plan of salvation?**

### FAQ

**Who were these "thieves" and why were they crucified with Jesus?**

Answer: The Greek word used, _lēistēs_ (λῃστής), suggests these were not merely petty thieves but likely violent bandits, robbers, or even insurrectionists. This term is also used to describe Barabbas ([John 18:40](/john/18-40 "John 18:40 - Barabbas, a Robber")), who was a rebel and murderer. The Roman authorities likely crucified them alongside Jesus to maximize His public humiliation and disgrace. By associating Him with such notorious criminals, they intended to portray Him as a common, dangerous offender, thereby discrediting His claims and deterring His followers. This arrangement was a deliberate act of political and social shaming.

**Does this verse fulfill any Old Testament prophecies?**

Answer: Yes, Matthew 27:38 directly fulfills the prophecy found in [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors"), which states of the Suffering Servant, "He was numbered with the transgressors." This detail emphasizes that Jesus' crucifixion, even in its most humiliating aspects, was part of God's predetermined plan for salvation, identifying Him as the promised Messiah who would bear the sins of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:38 is a poignant image of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. By being "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - The Suffering Servant Numbered with Transgressors")), Jesus, the sinless Son of God, perfectly embodied the substitutionary atonement. He, who knew no sin, became 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 position between two criminals signifies His radical identification with fallen humanity, demonstrating that His saving work was not for the righteous, but for the ungodly ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). This scene foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin and death, as the very act of His humiliation on the cross becomes the means of humanity's reconciliation to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). Even as He hung between two condemned men, He was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering immediate paradise to the repentant thief ([Luke 23:43](/luke/23-43 "Luke 23:43 - Jesus' Promise to the Repentant Thief")), thereby revealing the boundless grace available through His sacrifice.

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

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.