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.

And {G2532} when {G3753} they were come {G565} to {G1909} the place {G5117}, which {G3588} is called {G2564} Calvary {G2898}, there {G1563} they crucified {G4717} him {G846}, and {G2532} the malefactors {G2557}, one {G3739}{G3303} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188}, and {G1161} the other {G3739} on {G1537} the left {G710}.

When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed him to a stake; and they nailed the criminals to stakes, one on the right and one on the left.

When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.

And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Commentary

Luke 23:33 describes the grim and pivotal moment of Jesus's crucifixion. After a series of trials and severe scourging, Jesus was led to the execution site, a place of profound suffering and ultimate sacrifice.

Historical and Cultural Context

The "place, which is called Calvary" is derived from the Latin word Calvaria, meaning "skull." This location is also known by its Aramaic/Hebrew name, Golgotha, which also means "place of a skull." It was customary for executions to take place outside the city walls of Jerusalem, and Golgotha was likely a small hill or rocky outcrop resembling a skull, or perhaps where skulls of executed criminals were left. Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating method of execution employed by the Roman Empire, designed to inflict maximum pain and public shame. It was reserved for the worst criminals, rebels, and slaves, making Jesus's death by this method particularly scandalous to the Jewish authorities and Romans alike.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus's crucifixion between two "malefactors" (criminals or evildoers) directly fulfills the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:12, which states the Suffering Servant "was numbered with the transgressors." This underscores the divine plan at play, even in the midst of human injustice.
  • Ultimate Sacrifice: Calvary represents the climax of Jesus's earthly mission – His willingness to lay down His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). It is here that the sin of humanity was placed upon Him, and He bore the full wrath of God against sin.
  • Identification with Humanity: By being crucified alongside criminals, Jesus identified deeply with sinful humanity, demonstrating His profound empathy and the purpose of His mission: to save sinners. The stark contrast between His innocence and their guilt highlights the injustice He endured.
  • The Gravity of Sin: The horrific nature of the crucifixion at Calvary serves as a powerful reminder of the extreme cost required to atone for sin.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Calvary" is a Latinized form of the Greek word kranion, which translates to "skull." This term is used interchangeably with the Aramaic Golgotha. The KJV's use of "Calvary" highlights the solemn and universally recognized name for this execution site, emphasizing its association with death and the ultimate sacrifice.

Practical Application

Luke 23:33 calls us to reflect on the immense love of God demonstrated through the suffering of Jesus at Calvary. It is a stark reminder that salvation is not cheap but came at an immeasurable cost. The presence of the two criminals also reminds us that Jesus died for all, regardless of their past. One of these criminals found redemption in his final moments (Luke 23:43), illustrating the boundless grace available to all who turn to Christ, even at the last hour. This verse encourages us to consider the depth of our own need for a Savior and to embrace the forgiveness offered through His sacrifice.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 15:22 (7 votes)

    ¶ And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

  • Mark 15:23 (7 votes)

    And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

  • John 19:17 (6 votes)

    And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

  • John 19:18 (6 votes)

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

  • Matthew 27:33 (4 votes)

    ¶ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

  • Matthew 27:34 (4 votes)

    They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.

  • 1 Peter 2:24 (4 votes)

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.