Luke uniquely presents Jesus as the only figure in his Gospel who remains completely silent before earthly authorities yet speaks boldly to religious leaders, inverting typical power dynamics.
Luke 23
Jesus before Pilate and Herod
1The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate.
2They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”
3Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”
4Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
5But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”
6But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
7When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.
8Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.
9He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers.
10The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.
11Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate.
12Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,
14and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and behold, having examined him before you, I found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.
15Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.
16I will therefore chastise him and release him.”
17Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.
18But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—
19one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder.
20Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus,
21but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!”
22He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.”
23But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed.
24Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.
25He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
26When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry it after Jesus.
27A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him.
28But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’
30Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’
31For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?”
32There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.
33When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
35The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”
36The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar,
37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
38An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
39One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”
40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
42He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
45The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
46Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.
47When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.”
48All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their chests.
49All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man
51(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom.
52This man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
53He took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
54It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.
55The women who had come with him out of Galilee followed after, and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
56They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
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Theme
Luke 23 records the final hours of Jesus' earthly life, beginning with his trials before Pilate and Herod, where both Roman authorities find no guilt in him despite intense pressure from Jewish leaders. The chapter culminates in Jesus' crucifixion, where he demonstrates remarkable compassion by forgiving his executioners and promising paradise to a repentant criminal. The narrative concludes with Jesus' death and burial by Joseph of Arimathea, setting the stage for the resurrection account that follows.
Context
This chapter follows Jesus' arrest and initial trial in chapter 22 and precedes his resurrection in chapter 24, representing the climactic fulfillment of his mission.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-5 Accusations Before Pilate Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate with charges of sedition and claiming kingship.
- 6-12 Jesus Sent to Herod Pilate transfers Jesus to Herod's jurisdiction, who mocks him before returning him to Pilate.
- 13-25 Pilate's Verdict and Barabbas Despite finding Jesus innocent, Pilate yields to crowd pressure and releases Barabbas instead.
- 26-31 The Way to Crucifixion Simon carries Jesus' cross while Jesus warns the mourning women of Jerusalem's coming judgment.
- 32-43 The Crucifixion Jesus is crucified between two criminals, showing forgiveness and promising paradise to one who believes.
- 44-49 Jesus' Death Darkness covers the land as Jesus commends his spirit to God and dies.
- 50-56 The Burial Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus in his tomb while the women prepare spices for proper burial.
Jesus before Pilate and Herod
23:1–23:25 gospel dialogue urgent
Jesus appears before Pilate and Herod, who find no fault in him, but the crowd demands his crucifixion and the release of Barabbas instead.
person_contrast
Luke uniquely presents Jesus as the only figure in his Gospel who remains completely silent before earthly authorities yet speaks boldly to religious leaders, inverting typical power dynamics.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
23:26–23:49 gospel narration solemn
Jesus is crucified between two criminals, forgiving his executioners and promising paradise to the repentant thief who asks to be remembered in his kingdom.
quotation_chain
Luke's crucifixion narrative uniquely features Jesus speaking seven times, more than any other Gospel, transforming his death into active ministry through forgiveness, promise, and prayer.
The Burial of Jesus
23:50–23:56 gospel narration solemn
Joseph of Arimathaea, a righteous council member, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and buries him in a new tomb. The women from Galilee observe the burial and prepare spices while resting on the Sabbath.
person_contrast
Joseph of Arimathea uniquely bridges political authority and messianic hope, being the only council member in Luke explicitly described as "waiting for God's kingdom.
Insights
Luke's crucifixion narrative uniquely features Jesus speaking seven times, more than any other Gospel, transforming his death into active ministry through forgiveness, promise, and prayer.
Joseph of Arimathea uniquely bridges political authority and messianic hope, being the only council member in Luke explicitly described as "waiting for God's kingdom.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 23:1 3 references
Parallels 3
Matthew 27:1 Parallel
Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to d…
Mark 15:1 Parallel
Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders, scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, boun…
John 18:28 Parallel
They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn’t enter into the Prae…
Luke 23:2 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 20:22 Lexical
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
Acts 24:2 Lexical
When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity…
Acts 17:7 Lexical
whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!”
Acts 8:9 Lexical
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, m…
Galatians 2:9 Lexical
and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars,…
Luke 23:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 15:2 Lexical
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.”
Mark 15:12 Lexical
Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
Mark 15:9 Lexical
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
John 18:33 Lexical
Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Acts 25:24 Lexical
Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of t…
Luke 23:4 4 references
Lexicals 4
John 19:6 Lexical
When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate said to them…
John 19:4 Lexical
Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis fo…
John 18:38 Lexical
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no…
Matthew 27:24 Lexical
So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed h…
Luke 23:5 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 5:17 Lexical
On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by who had come out of e…
Acts 9:31 Lexical
So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were built up. They were multiplied, walking…
Acts 10:37 Lexical
you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism…
Luke 23:7 1 reference
Luke 23:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 2:16 Lexical
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…
1 Corinthians 16:7 Lexical
For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
Luke 9:9 Lexical
Herod said, “I beheaded John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” He sought to see him.
Acts 26:7 Lexical
which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews,…
Luke 3:19 Lexical
but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod…
Luke 23:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 22:46 Lexical
No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Mark 14:60 Lexical
The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you…
Mark 12:34 Lexical
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any q…
Mark 14:61 Lexical
But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?…
Mark 11:29 Lexical
Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Luke 23:10 1 reference
Luke 23:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 4:27 Lexical
“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against yo…
James 2:2 Lexical
For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes…
James 2:3 Lexical
and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the p…
Acts 10:30 Lexical
Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold,…
Revelation 19:8 Lexical
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen, for the fine linen is the righteous acts o…
Luke 23:12 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 4:27 Lexical
“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against yo…
James 4:4 Lexical
You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Whoever therefor…
Acts 7:26 Lexical
“The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brot…
Luke 23:13 1 reference
Luke 23:14 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 7:9 Lexical
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could count, out of every nation and of all trib…
Revelation 3:8 Lexical
“I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, an…
Acts 24:8 Lexical
By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”
Luke 23:15 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 26:31 Lexical
When they had withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, “This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
Acts 25:11 Lexical
For if I have done wrong and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things…
Romans 1:32 Lexical
who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but al…
Acts 25:25 Lexical
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I determined…
Luke 23:19 1 reference
Luke 23:20 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 15:9 Lexical
Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
Matthew 27:17 Lexical
When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Je…
Mark 15:12 Lexical
Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
Luke 23:22 1 reference
Luke 23:25 2 references
Luke 23:26 3 references
Parallels 3
Matthew 27:32 Parallel
As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry…
Mark 15:21 Parallel
They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with t…
John 19:17 Parallel
He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”,
Luke 23:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 21:36 Lexical
for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
Matthew 11:17 Lexical
and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
Luke 6:17 Lexical
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from a…
Acts 17:4 Lexical
Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas: of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chie…
Matthew 27:55 Lexical
Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
Luke 23:28 1 reference
Luke 23:29 2 references
Luke 23:30 1 reference
Luke 23:33 3 references
Lexicals 3
Romans 9:26 Lexical
“It will be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of…
2 Corinthians 6:7 Lexical
in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Matthew 6:3 Lexical
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
Luke 23:34 2 references
Luke 23:35 2 references
Luke 23:36 1 reference
Luke 23:38 1 reference
Luke 23:41 2 references
Luke 23:44 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 15:33 Lexical
When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
Matthew 27:45 Lexical
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
Matthew 20:5 Lexical
Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
Acts 10:3 Lexical
At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Corneli…
Revelation 3:10 Lexical
Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world…
Luke 23:45 2 references
Luke 23:46 4 references
Quotations 1
Lexicals 3
Mark 15:37 Lexical
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit.
Acts 16:28 Lexical
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Don’t harm yourself, for we are all here!”
Revelation 14:9 Lexical
Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and recei…
Luke 23:48 1 reference
Luke 23:49 1 reference
Luke 23:50 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 8:41 Lexical
Behold, a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come int…
Matthew 1:19 Lexical
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secre…
Luke 1:27 Lexical
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Mark 15:43 Lexical
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in…
Luke 2:25 Lexical
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolati…
Luke 23:51 1 reference
Luke 23:52 2 references
Luke 23:53 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 27:59 Lexical
Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
1 Corinthians 3:11 Lexical
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Mark 15:46 Lexical
He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out…
John 20:7 Lexical
and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.
Luke 23:54 1 reference
Luke 23:55 1 reference
Luke 23:56 2 references
Interlinear
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Trial Of Jesus
~30 ADJesus' trials before Jewish and Roman authorities, culminating in his condemnation to crucifixion. These proceedings fulfilled prophecy while demonstrating the injustice that Christ bore for humanity's sins.
Jesus faces Roman and Jewish authorities who find no fault but yield to crowd pressure.
Jesus before Pilate and HerodCrucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Jesus' actual crucifixion between criminals, showing his forgiveness and promise of paradise.
The Crucifixion of JesusCrucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Joseph's burial of Jesus' crucified body fulfills proper burial customs after crucifixion.
The Burial of Jesus