King James Version

What Does Mark 15:27 Mean?

Mark 15:27 in the King James Version says “And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

Mark 15:27 · KJV


Context

25

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

26

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

28

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

29

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
With him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left—The Greek lēstēs (λῃστής, 'robber/bandit,' plural lēstas) can denote violent brigands or insurrectionists. These weren't petty thieves but dangerous criminals. Mark's spatial precision—on his right...on his left (ἐκ δεξιῶν...ἐξ εὐωνύμων)—echoes the disciples' request in Mark 10:37: 'Grant us to sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.'

Devastating irony: Jesus promised James and John they would share His cup and baptism (10:39), but the positions of honor flanking Him in His 'kingdom' went to crucified criminals. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:12: 'He was numbered with the transgressors.' Jesus died surrounded by sinners—the very people He came to save. The cross is His throne, criminals His courtiers. One thief would repent (Luke 23:40-43), demonstrating that proximity to Christ, even in execution, brings opportunity for salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman practice sometimes crucified multiple victims simultaneously for efficiency and increased deterrent effect. Placing Jesus between two criminals may have been deliberate degradation—guilt by association with 'bandits' (possibly Barabbas's accomplices?). Crucifixion sites along major roads ensured maximum public visibility. Jewish authorities would have appreciated the symbolism: execution among criminals reinforced their narrative that Jesus was a blasphemous pretender deserving this shameful death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' fulfillment of 'numbered with transgressors' reshape your understanding of His identification with sinners?
  2. What does the positioning of criminals at Christ's right and left reveal about the path to true glory in God's kingdom?
  3. How should the reality that one thief repented even while dying affect your evangelism and hope for 'hard cases'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

And

G2532

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

σὺν2 of 14

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτοῦ3 of 14

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

σταυροῦσιν4 of 14

they crucify

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

δύο5 of 14

two

G1417

"two"

λῃστάς6 of 14

thieves

G3027

a brigand

ἕνα7 of 14

the one

G1520

one

ἐξ8 of 14

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν9 of 14

his right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

καὶ10 of 14

And

G2532

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

ἕνα11 of 14

the one

G1520

one

ἐξ12 of 14

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

εὐωνύμων13 of 14

left

G2176

properly, well-named (good-omened), i.e., the left (which was the lucky side among the pagan greeks); neuter as adverbial, at the left hand

αὐτοῦ14 of 14

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 15:27 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 Mark 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study