King James Version

What Does Luke 23:44 Mean?

Luke 23:44 in the King James Version says “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. earth: or, land” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 23:44 · KJV

Context

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

45

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Read Luke 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Supernatural darkness: 'And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.' The timing: 'the sixth hour' (ἕκτη ὥρα, hektē hōra) was noon; 'the ninth hour' (ἐνάτης ὥρας, enatēs hōras) was 3 PM. For three hours, 'darkness over all the earth' (σκότος ἐγένετο ἐφ' ὅλην τὴν γῆν, skotos egeneto eph' holēn tēn gēn) covered the land. This wasn't natural eclipse—Passover occurred at full moon when eclipses are impossible. The darkness was supernatural, signifying divine judgment. When Jesus bore sin, the Father turned away, and darkness covered the earth. This fulfills Amos 8:9: 'I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.' Creation itself mourned as the Creator died.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Darkness in Scripture symbolizes judgment, God's presence, and separation from Him (Genesis 15:12, Exodus 10:21-23, Matthew 8:12). During Jesus' crucifixion, all three meanings applied. He experienced judgment for human sin (Isaiah 53:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21), the Father's wrathful presence (Habakkuk 3:3-4), and separation from the Father (Matthew 27:46). The three-hour darkness during midday was impossible to miss or misinterpret—supernatural intervention was occurring. Some early Christian writers report pagan historians noting this event. Whether the darkness was localized to Judea ('all the land') or worldwide ('all the earth'), it signaled that the universe's most significant event was transpiring: the Son of God was dying for sinners.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the supernatural darkness during Jesus' crucifixion signify theologically?
  2. How does this darkness relate to other instances of darkness in Scripture (Exodus, prophets)?
  3. Why did the Father turn away from the Son during these three hours?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἦν1 of 15

“it was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὡσεὶ3 of 15

“about”

G5616

as if

ὥρας4 of 15

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἕκτη,5 of 15

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

Καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

σκότος7 of 15

“a darkness”

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

ἐγένετο8 of 15

“there was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐφ'9 of 15

“over”

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

ὅλην10 of 15

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν11 of 15
G3588

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

γῆν12 of 15

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἕως13 of 15

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ὥρας14 of 15

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐννάτης15 of 15

“the ninth”

G1766

ninth

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 23:44 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 23:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:45Mark 15:33-34Amos 8:9Acts 2:20Matthew 27:52John 19:14

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