Matthew 27:45

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} from {G575} the sixth {G1623} hour {G5610} there was {G1096} darkness {G4655} over {G1909} all {G3956} the land {G1093} unto {G2193} the ninth {G1766} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From noon until three o'clock in the afternoon, all the Land was covered with darkness.

Berean Standard Bible

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:45 recounts a profound supernatural event during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: a three-hour period of inexplicable darkness that enveloped the land from noon until 3 PM. This cosmic phenomenon underscored the immense spiritual gravity of Christ's atoning sacrifice, signaling divine judgment against sin and the unique suffering of the Son of God as He bore the world's iniquity on the cross. It marked a pivotal moment, revealing the universal significance of the crucifixion not merely as a historical execution but as a divinely orchestrated act of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 27:45 is strategically placed within Matthew's Passion narrative, immediately following the mocking of Jesus by the chief priests, scribes, and elders, and the taunts of the criminals crucified alongside Him ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking of Jesus")). This sudden, enveloping darkness serves as a stark, dramatic shift in the narrative, preceding Jesus' cry of dereliction ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")) and His subsequent death ([Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus' Death")). Its placement emphasizes the cosmic and divine significance of Jesus' suffering, transforming the scene from a mere human execution into a moment of profound theological import. The event is corroborated by the other Synoptic Gospels, [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") and [Luke 23:44-45](/luke/23-44-45 "Luke 23:44-45 - Darkness and Torn Veil"), highlighting its historical weight and shared tradition among early Christian communities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sixth hour" in Roman timekeeping corresponds to noon, and the "ninth hour" to 3 PM, indicating that the darkness lasted for three hours in the middle of the day. This timing is crucial because the crucifixion occurred during the Passover festival, which always took place at the full moon. A solar eclipse, which causes darkness during the day, is astronomically impossible during a full moon. This fact strongly suggests that the darkness was not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural intervention, a direct act of God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, darkness often symbolized divine judgment, the presence of God in a terrifying way, or a period of mourning and distress. For instance, the plagues in Egypt included a plague of darkness ([Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "Exodus 10:21-23 - The Plague of Darkness")), and Old Testament prophets frequently associated darkness with the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine wrath and judgment ([Amos 8:9-10](/amos/8-9-10 "Amos 8:9-10 - Darkness on the Day of the Lord"); [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun Turned to Darkness")). The widespread nature of the darkness, "over all the land," would have been a terrifying and undeniable sign to all present.

* **Key Themes:** The darkness at the crucifixion contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**. As Jesus bore the sins of humanity, He experienced the Father's righteous wrath against sin, symbolized by the enveloping gloom. This connects to prophetic themes of darkness as a sign of God's displeasure and a prelude to judgment. Secondly, it highlights the **Cosmic Significance of the Cross**. The entire creation seemed to react to the death of its Creator, emphasizing that the crucifixion was not merely a local event but an act with universal implications, impacting all of existence. This cosmic response foreshadows the new creation brought about by Christ's redemptive work. Thirdly, it points to the theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**. During these hours of darkness, Jesus was performing the ultimate work of atonement, becoming sin for humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The darkness may have served to veil the full extent of the spiritual battle and separation from the Father that Jesus endured as He bore the world's sin, a unique moment of divine abandonment for the sake of human redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkness (Greek, _skótos'_):** This term, G4655, refers to shadiness or obscurity, literally or figuratively. In biblical contexts, _skótos_ frequently carries connotations of spiritual blindness, moral depravity, judgment, or the absence of divine light and presence. Here, it signifies more than just a natural lack of light; it points to a supernatural, oppressive gloom, indicative of divine displeasure and the gravity of the spiritual transaction occurring on the cross. It is the antithesis of God's light and truth.
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** G1096, a verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." The use of _gínomai_ here emphasizes that the darkness was not merely present but actively *came into being* or *happened*. It suggests a dynamic, divinely orchestrated event rather than a passive state. It signifies a supernatural occurrence, a direct intervention of God causing this profound atmospheric change.
* **land (Greek, _gē'_):** G1093, meaning "soil," "region," or "the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe." While _gē_ can refer to the entire earth, in this context, "all the land" (Greek: _pasēn tēn gēn_) most likely refers to the entire region of Judea or Palestine. This emphasizes the widespread and undeniable nature of this miraculous event to those living in the area, rather than a global phenomenon, though its theological implications are certainly global. It signifies the immediate scope of the observable miracle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now from the sixth hour":** This phrase establishes the precise commencement of the supernatural event. The "sixth hour" (noon) marked the middle of the day, a time when the sun is at its zenith, making the ensuing darkness all the more unnatural and striking. This immediate shift from bright daylight to profound gloom would have been unsettling and indicative of a divine intervention.
* **"there was darkness":** This clause describes the central phenomenon. The verb "was" (Greek _egeneto_ from _gínomai_) implies that the darkness actively came into being, rather than simply existing. This was not a gradual dimming but a sudden, pervasive, and supernatural obscuration of light, signaling a moment of profound spiritual significance and divine action.
* **"over all the land":** This specifies the scope of the darkness. While "land" (Greek _gē_) can sometimes mean the whole earth, in this context, it most likely refers to the entire region of Judea or Palestine. This indicates that the darkness was widespread enough to be a public, undeniable sign to all who witnessed the crucifixion, emphasizing its miraculous and divinely orchestrated nature.
* **"unto the ninth hour":** This indicates the duration of the darkness, lasting for three hours until 3 PM. This prolonged period of unnatural gloom, occurring during the brightest part of the day, further underscores its supernatural origin and the intense, sustained nature of the spiritual battle being waged on the cross during these critical hours of Jesus' suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this verse to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Symbolism**: the darkness itself is a potent symbol. It represents divine judgment against sin, the wrath of God being poured out, and the spiritual agony of Christ as He bore the world's iniquity. It also symbolizes the mourning of creation in response to the death of its Creator, echoing Old Testament prophecies where darkness accompanies the "Day of the Lord" ([Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - Darkness on the Day of the Lord")). There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Jesus, the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World")), is plunged into darkness, signifying His descent into the deepest spiritual abyss to conquer it. The event also serves as a **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, aligning with Old Testament predictions of the sun being darkened on the day of the Lord's judgment (e.g., [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun Turned to Darkness"), [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Stars and Sun Darkened")). The sudden and prolonged nature of the darkness also creates a sense of **Awe and Foreboding**, intensifying the dramatic tension of the crucifixion narrative and emphasizing the cosmic stakes of the events unfolding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The darkness at the crucifixion is a profound theological statement, signifying the unique and unparalleled nature of Christ's suffering. It represents the moment when Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the full weight of humanity's sin and experienced the righteous wrath of God against that sin. This was not merely physical suffering, but a spiritual agony of separation from the Father, as He became "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The darkness veiled this sacred and terrible transaction, a divine judgment enacted upon the Son in place of humanity. It underscores the infinite cost of redemption and the depth of God's love that would allow such a sacrifice. This event serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of Christ's atoning work to reconcile humanity to a holy God.

* [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - Darkness on the Day of the Lord")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun Turned to Darkness")
* [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The darkness at the crucifixion invites us to profound contemplation on the gravity of sin and the immeasurable cost of our salvation. It vividly portrays the spiritual reality that when Jesus hung on the cross, He was not merely a victim of human injustice but was actively bearing the divine judgment due to humanity's rebellion against God. This intense, three-hour period of cosmic gloom serves as a stark reminder that our sin is so grievous that it required the Son of God to endure the Father's wrath on our behalf. It calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's holy character, which cannot tolerate sin, and His boundless love, which provided the ultimate sacrifice. This event compels us to acknowledge the finished work of Christ, recognizing that in His darkness, we find light, and in His separation, we find reconciliation. It should lead us to repentance, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live in light of such a costly redemption, understanding that our salvation was purchased at an unimaginable price.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the supernatural darkness at the crucifixion deepen your understanding of the severity of sin and the holiness of God?**
* **In what ways does this event highlight the unique nature of Jesus' suffering on the cross, beyond mere physical pain?**
* **How does the darkness, as a sign of divine judgment, ultimately point to the depth of God's love for humanity?**

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

Answer: No, it was not a natural solar eclipse. The crucifixion of Jesus occurred during the Passover festival, which always takes place at the full moon. A solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon, when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light. Therefore, a solar eclipse would have been astronomically impossible during the Passover. This fact underscores that the darkness described in [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion") was a supernatural event, a direct divine intervention.

**What does "over all the land" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek phrase "pasēn tēn gēn" (πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν) literally means "all the earth" or "all the land." While the term "gē" (land/earth) can sometimes refer to the entire globe, in this specific historical and literary context, it is most commonly understood to mean "all the land" or "all the region" of Judea or Palestine. This interpretation suggests that the darkness was widespread and observable throughout the immediate geographical area where the crucifixion took place, making it an undeniable and terrifying sign to all who witnessed or heard about it. It emphasizes the public and miraculous nature of the event rather than necessarily a global phenomenon.

**Why did God send darkness during the crucifixion?**

Answer: The darkness served multiple profound theological purposes. Firstly, it symbolized God's righteous judgment and wrath against sin, which Jesus was bearing on the cross. It echoed Old Testament prophecies where darkness signified the "Day of the Lord" and divine judgment ([Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - Darkness on the Day of the Lord")). Secondly, it underscored the cosmic significance of the crucifixion, indicating that the entire creation was reacting to the death of its Creator. Thirdly, it may have veiled the unique spiritual agony Jesus endured as He was separated from the Father while becoming sin for humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The darkness emphasized the solemnity, gravity, and divine nature of the atoning work being accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The darkness at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a vivid demonstration of His unique identity and mission. While Jesus is proclaimed as the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World")), paradoxically, at the moment He bore the world's sin, the world was plunged into darkness. This supernatural gloom signifies that Jesus, the radiant Son of God, was experiencing the full weight of divine judgment against sin, becoming "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He entered into the deepest spiritual darkness, the very realm of God's wrath and separation, to conquer it. This act foreshadows His victory over the "domain of darkness" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")) and His ultimate triumph as the one who brings light and life to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death ([Luke 1:79](/luke/1-79 "Luke 1:79 - Light to Those in Darkness")). The temporary darkness on the cross highlights the eternal light that dawned through His resurrection, making believers "light in the Lord" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")) and a "peculiar people" called out of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")). Thus, the darkness at Calvary is a powerful testament to Christ's substitutionary atonement, transforming the deepest hour of human sin into the brightest moment of divine redemption.

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

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:

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?

Luke 23:44

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

Luke 23:45

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Isaiah 50:3

I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

Revelation 9:2

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.