King James Version

What Does Luke 23:33 Mean?

Luke 23:33 in the King James Version says “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the... — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. Calvary: or, The place of a skull

Luke 23:33 · KJV


Context

31

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

32

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

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. Calvary: or, The place of a skull

34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

35

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crucifixion: '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.' The location: 'Calvary' (Κρανίον, Kranion, Latin Calvaria, meaning skull), elsewhere called Golgotha (Aramaic for skull). The act: 'there they crucified him' (ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν, estaurōsan auton)—simple, stark statement of history's central event. Remarkably, Luke doesn't describe crucifixion's details (though readers knew its horrors). The criminals: 'malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left' (κακούργους, ὃν μὲν ἐκ δεξιῶν, ὃν δὲ ἐξ ἀριστερῶν, kakourgous, hon men ek dexiōn, hon de ex aristerōn). This fulfills Isaiah 53:12: 'he was numbered with the transgressors.' Jesus dies as a criminal, bearing the curse for our crimes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion was horrific: victims were stripped naked, nailed or tied to a cross, and left to die slowly through asphyxiation, exposure, and shock. Death could take days. The victim's position between two criminals fulfilled prophecy while symbolizing human choice—two thieves, two responses, two destinies. One mocked (v. 39), one believed (v. 42). This pattern continues: humanity faces Jesus crucified and must choose. The brevity of Luke's crucifixion description ('they crucified him') suggests early Christians knew these details too well—many had seen crucifixions. Later readers must learn what first-century readers knew viscerally: the cross was ultimate shame, suffering, and horror. Jesus endured this willingly for our salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the location 'Calvary' (place of a skull) symbolize about death and judgment?
  2. How does Jesus being crucified between criminals fulfill prophecy and symbolize His mission?
  3. Why do you think Luke describes the crucifixion so briefly without detailing its horrors?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 23

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἀπῆλθον3 of 23

they were come

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἐπὶ4 of 23

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς5 of 23

which

G3588

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

τόπον6 of 23

the place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

τοὺς7 of 23

which

G3588

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

καλούμενον8 of 23

is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Κρανίον9 of 23

Calvary

G2898

a skull ("cranium")

ἐκεῖ10 of 23

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἐσταύρωσαν11 of 23

they crucified

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

αὐτὸν12 of 23

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

καὶ13 of 23

And

G2532

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

τοὺς14 of 23

which

G3588

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

κακούργους15 of 23

the malefactors

G2557

a wrong-doer, i.e., criminal

ὃν16 of 23

the other

G3739

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

μὲν17 of 23

one

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐξ18 of 23

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν19 of 23

the right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

ὃν20 of 23

the other

G3739

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

δὲ21 of 23

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐξ22 of 23

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀριστερῶν23 of 23

the left

G710

the left hand (as second-best)


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 23:33 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 23:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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