King James Version
What Does Luke 23:47 Mean?
“Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.”
Context
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.
47
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49
And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(47-49) **Now when the centurion saw what was done . . .**—See Notes on Matthew 27:54-55; Mark 15:40-41. The phrase “glorified God” is, as has been noticed already (Luke 5:25), specially characteristic of St. Luke. The substitution of “this was a righteous man,” for “this was the Son of God,” may, perhaps, have originated in a wish to express the exact measure, and not more, of the sense in which the centurion had used the seemingly higher words.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:47 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 23:47
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge