King James Version

What Does Luke 23:40 Mean?

Luke 23:40 in the King James Version says “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?”

Luke 23:40 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

38

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? The repentant thief's first recorded words constitute a theological rebuke. "Answering" (apokritheis, ἀποκριθεὶς) and "rebuked" (epetimēsen, ἐπετίμησεν, the same verb used when Jesus rebuked demons and storms) indicates authoritative correction. Despite his own agony, he defended Christ's honor—mark of genuine conversion.

The question "Dost not thou fear God?" (oude phobē sy ton Theon, οὐδὲ φοβῇ σὺ τὸν θεόν) introduces true theology. The "fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). This criminal demonstrated that saving faith begins with proper understanding of God—His holiness, authority, and coming judgment. The phrase "seeing thou art in the same condemnation" (hoti en tō autō krimati ei, ὅτι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ κρίματι εἶ) grounds the rebuke in logic: impending judgment should silence mockery and prompt repentance.

This rebuke reveals transformation. Hours earlier, Matthew 27:44 records "the thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth"—both criminals initially mocked Jesus. But one experienced conversion even while dying. His rebuke demonstrates that genuine repentance produces immediate fruit—defending Christ, confessing sin (v. 41), and seeking salvation (v. 42). Though he had no time for good works, church membership, baptism, or discipleship training, his faith alone secured paradise (v. 43). This is salvation by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The thief's transformation likely occurred as he observed Jesus' responses to torture, heard His prayer for His executioners (v. 34), witnessed the supernatural darkness (v. 44), and recognized Jesus' innocence versus his own guilt. Ancient crucifixion allowed victims to speak and observe each other—the cross was designed for maximum suffering and public display, not quick death.

His question "Dost not thou fear God?" reflects Jewish theology emphasizing the fear of God as foundational to righteousness. Deuteronomy 6:13, Proverbs 1:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13, and Malachi 3:5 establish this principle. That a dying criminal grasped this truth while religious leaders missed it demonstrates that God reveals Himself to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6). His conversion illustrates Jesus' teaching: "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (Matthew 19:30).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the repentant thief's immediate defense of Christ despite personal agony teach about the fruit that genuine conversion produces?
  2. How does the thief's conversion from mockery to faith demonstrate that salvation is God's work, possible even at life's final moments?
  3. Why is 'fear of God'—understanding His holiness and our accountability—essential to saving faith, and how does modern Christianity often neglect this truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 18

“answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 18

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 18
G3588

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

ἕτερος4 of 18

“the other”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἐπετίμα5 of 18

“rebuked”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτῷ6 of 18

“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

λέγων,7 of 18

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Οὐδὲ8 of 18

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

φοβῇ9 of 18

“Dost”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

σὺ10 of 18

“thou”

G4771

thou

τὸν11 of 18
G3588

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

θεόν12 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὅτι13 of 18

“seeing”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν14 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ15 of 18
G3588

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

αὐτῷ16 of 18

“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

κρίματι17 of 18

“condemnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

εἶ18 of 18

“thou art”

G1488

thou art

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 23:40 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 23:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 5:3Revelation 15:4Ephesians 5:112 Chronicles 28:22Luke 12:5Psalms 36:1

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