King James Version

What Does Luke 23:42 Mean?

Luke 23:42 in the King James Version says “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 23:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

44

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

Read Luke 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom (Κύριε, μνήσθητί μου ὅταν ἔλθῃς εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν σου)—In the Greek, mnēsthēti means 'remember,' but carries the Hebrew sense of covenant faithfulness and active intervention, not mere mental recall. This dying criminal, witnessing Jesus crucified as 'King of the Jews,' perceives the kingdom's reality beyond the cross.

Calling Jesus Kyrios (Lord) acknowledges divine authority. The thief's theology is stunning: while religious leaders mocked, this outcast grasped that Christ's kingdom would come after death, that crucifixion was the pathway to enthronement. His simple request—remember me—echoes Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11) and anticipates the New Covenant promise: 'their sins and iniquities will I remember no more' (Hebrews 10:17). Faith at its purest—no time for works, no religious credentials, just grace received.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum humiliation and deterrence. Victims were displayed at major roads or city gates, often with placards stating their crimes. Two thieves (Greek lēstai—'bandits' or insurrectionists, not petty criminals) flanked Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah 53:12 ('numbered with the transgressors'). One thief initially mocked (Matthew 27:44) but then repented—conversion in extremis.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the thief's faith reveal about the sufficiency of Christ's grace apart from religious works or credentials?
  2. How does this criminal's recognition of Jesus's kingdom challenge your understanding of what it means to see Christ as King?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἔλεγεν2 of 13

“he said”

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

τᾠ3 of 13
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ4 of 13

“unto Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

μνήσθητί5 of 13

“remember”

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

μου6 of 13

“me”

G3450

of me

Κύριε,7 of 13

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὅταν8 of 13

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἔλθῃς9 of 13

“thou comest”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐν10 of 13

“into”

G1722

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

τῃ11 of 13
G3588

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

βασιλείᾳ12 of 13

“kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

σου13 of 13

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 23:42 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 23:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:9-14Acts 16:311 John 5:11-131 Corinthians 6:10-11Luke 12:8Luke 18:13

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