King James Version

What Does Luke 23:27 Mean?

Luke 23:27 in the King James Version says “And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.”

Luke 23:27 · KJV

Context

25

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

26

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

27

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

28

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

29

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse captures a poignant moment on Jesus' path to Calvary. The phrase "there followed him" (ēkolouthei) uses the imperfect tense in Greek, indicating continuous action—they kept following. The group consisted of "a great company of people" (polu plēthos tou laou), emphasizing a large multitude, contrasting with the disciples who had fled.

Specifically mentioned are "women, which also bewailed and lamented him" (hai kai ekoptonto kai ethrēnoun auton). The verb koptō means to beat or strike, referring to beating the breast in mourning—a traditional expression of grief. The verb thrēneō means to wail or lament aloud. These weren't silent tears but open, vocal mourning.

The identification "of women" is significant. When male disciples fled, these women remained faithful. Luke consistently highlights women's role in Jesus' ministry. Their mourning was genuine grief for Jesus, but also (as Jesus explains in verses 28-31) they should mourn for themselves and their children due to coming judgment. This scene demonstrates both human compassion and divine foreknowledge of Jerusalem's approaching destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred on Friday morning, April 3, AD 33 (traditional dating), as Jesus carried His cross through Jerusalem's streets to Golgotha. Roman crucifixion normally required the condemned to carry the crossbeam (patibulum) through public streets as humiliation and deterrent. The route likely went through populated areas to maximize public viewing.

The women's public lamentation reflects Jewish mourning customs. Professional mourners were often hired for funerals, but these women's grief appears genuine. Their presence is striking given the danger of associating with a condemned criminal. Roman authorities could view such displays suspiciously, yet these women risked public mourning. Jewish women had followed Jesus throughout His ministry, supporting Him financially (Luke 8:2-3) and remaining faithful when male disciples abandoned Him. The 'great company' suggests Jesus' impact on Jerusalem's population—many recognized the injustice of His condemnation. Historically, this scene occurred just days after His triumphal entry when crowds welcomed Him. Now, though some mocked, many mourned. Within 40 years, Jerusalem would face Roman destruction (AD 70), vindicating Jesus' words to these mourning women.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Luke specifically mention women in this scene while male disciples had fled?
  2. What is the significance of the public nature of their lamentation?
  3. How does this mourning contrast with the crowds' earlier calls for crucifixion?
  4. Why does Jesus redirect their mourning from Himself to themselves and their children?
  5. What does this passage teach about faithful discipleship in the face of danger and shame?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἠκολούθει1 of 15

“there followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτόν3 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πολὺ4 of 15

“a great”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

πλῆθος5 of 15

“company”

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

τοῦ6 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαοῦ7 of 15

“of people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ8 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γυναικῶν9 of 15

“of women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αἳ10 of 15

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ11 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκόπτοντο12 of 15

“bewailed”

G2875

to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief

καὶ13 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐθρήνουν14 of 15

“lamented”

G2354

to bewail

αὐτόν15 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 23:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:52Luke 8:2Mark 15:40Luke 23:55Matthew 27:55

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