King James Version

What Does Luke 23:47 Mean?

Luke 23:47 in the King James Version says “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.”

Luke 23:47 · KJV

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. This confession from a Roman soldier represents one of the most powerful testimonies at the cross. The Greek word hekatontarchēs (ἑκατοντάρχης, "centurion") identifies him as a hardened military commander of 100 men, likely present at countless executions. Yet witnessing Christ's death moved him to edoxazen ton theon (ἐδόξαζεν τὸν θεόν, "glorified God")—an act of worship acknowledging divine presence in this execution.

His declaration, ontōs ho anthrōpos houtos dikaios ēn (ὄντως ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος ἦν, "certainly this man was righteous"), uses dikaios (δίκαιος)—the same term used throughout Scripture for those who are justified before God. Luke's account emphasizes Christ's innocence more than the other Gospels; this centurion becomes an unwitting witness to the sinless sacrifice dying for sinners. Where Matthew and Mark record him saying "Son of God," Luke preserves "righteous man," highlighting the legal and moral dimensions of Christ's death.

The timing—idōn to genomenon (ἰδὼν τὸ γενόμενον, "seeing what had happened")—indicates the centurion responded to the supernatural signs: three hours of darkness, Christ's powerful final cry, the earthquake, and His voluntary surrender of spirit. Unlike the religious leaders who remained hardened, this Gentile soldier recognized truth. His confession foreshadows the Gospel's spread to the nations, as Paul writes that Christ "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25). The very word dikaios connects to dikaiōsynē (righteousness)—what Christ accomplished for all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman centurion commanded 80-100 soldiers and typically served 15-25 years, making him an experienced military officer. Stationed in Judea, he would have witnessed numerous crucifixions—Rome's standard punishment for insurrectionists and criminals. Crucifixion duty was routine for Roman soldiers, involving guarding victims for hours or days until death, then disposing of bodies.

Luke, writing for a Gentile audience (addressed to "most excellent Theophilus"), emphasizes this Roman's testimony alongside other Gentile witnesses throughout his Gospel. The centurion's words carry legal weight—Roman military officers were trained observers whose testimony held authority in courts. His declaration of Christ's innocence serves as official Roman acknowledgment contradicting the false charges.

The supernatural phenomena he witnessed were unprecedented: darkness from noon to 3 PM during Passover's full moon (when lunar eclipses are impossible), the temple veil tearing, earthquakes, and Christ's extraordinary manner of death. Crucifixion victims typically died slowly from asphyxiation over days; Jesus died within six hours after deliberately yielding His spirit. These signs, combined with Christ's prayer for His enemies and promise to the thief, convinced this battle-hardened soldier he had executed no ordinary man. His conversion illustrates Isaiah 53:11—"by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the centurion's recognition of Christ's righteousness challenge us to see Jesus clearly despite cultural or religious blinders?
  2. What 'signs' in your own life has God used to reveal Christ's true identity to you?
  3. How does this Gentile soldier's immediate response to glorify God contrast with the religious leaders' continued rejection?
  4. In what ways does the centurion's testimony that Christ was 'righteous' connect to the doctrine that Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers?
  5. How should this passage encourage us when sharing the Gospel with those who seem unlikely to respond—soldiers, skeptics, or hardened hearts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ἰδὼν1 of 16

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

ἑκατόνταρχος4 of 16

“when the centurion”

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

τὸ5 of 16
G3588

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

γενόμενον6 of 16

“what was done”

G1096

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

ἐδόξασεν7 of 16

“he glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν8 of 16
G3588

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

θεὸν9 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

λέγων,10 of 16

“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

Ὄντως11 of 16

“Certainly”

G3689

really

ὁ12 of 16
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπος13 of 16

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὗτος14 of 16

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δίκαιος15 of 16

“a righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἦν16 of 16

“was”

G2258

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

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 23:47 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:39Matthew 27:54Luke 23:41Matthew 9:8John 19:7

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