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ScriptureDepth's study of Luke 23

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

Luke 23:34

Jesus says this while being crucified, forgiving those who mock him, which sets a tone of mercy amidst the injustice of his execution.

What Luke 23 is about

The whole company of them brings Jesus before Pilate, accusing him of perverting the nation and claiming to be a king (vv. 1-5). Pilate questions Jesus and finds no basis for a charge, then sends him to Herod since Jesus is from Galilee (vv. 6-12). Herod also finds no fault and sends Jesus back to Pilate (vv. 13-12). Pilate offers to release Jesus, but the crowd calls for Barabbas instead and demands crucifixion (vv. 18-25). Jesus carries his cross to the place called The Skull, where he is crucified alongside criminals (vv. 26-31). Jesus forgives those who crucify him, while others mock him (vv. 32-43). At the sixth hour, darkness covers the land, and Jesus dies, proclaiming, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit' (vv. 44-49). Joseph of Arimathaea asks for Jesus' body, lays him in a tomb, and the women prepare spices for his body (vv. 50-56).

The chapter leaves readers contemplating the wrongful crucifixion of Jesus and his promise of salvation.

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Luke 23 at a glance

  1. Luke 23:1–5Jesus Brought Before Pilate
  2. Luke 23:6–12Jesus Sent to Herod
  3. Luke 23:13–25Pilate's Judgment
  4. Luke 23:26–31The Road to Crucifixion
  5. Luke 23:32–43The Crucifixion
  6. Luke 23:44–49Death of Jesus
  7. Luke 23:50–56Burial of Jesus

Key verse: Luke 23:34

One thing to notice

The phrase 'Crucify! Crucify him!' is repeated during the crowd's insistence on Jesus' execution in verses 21 and 23. In both instances, the crowd urgently demands Pilate to turn Jesus over to the authorities for crucifixion, which intensifies the tension surrounding the trial.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read Luke 23 (WEB)

Jesus Brought Before Pilate Luke 23:1–5

Verse 1. The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. Verse 2. They 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.” Verse 3. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.” Verse 4. Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Verse 5. But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Sent to Herod Luke 23:6–12

Verse 6. But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. Verse 7. When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. Verse 8. Now 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. Verse 9. He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. Verse 10. The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. Verse 11. Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate.

Verse 12. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

Pilate's Judgment Luke 23:13–25

Verse 13. Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, Verse 14. and 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. Verse 15. Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. Verse 16. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” Verse 17. Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. Verse 18. But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—

Verse 19. one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. Verse 20. Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, Verse 21. but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!” Verse 22. He 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.” Verse 23. But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. Verse 24. Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.

Verse 25. He 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 Road to Crucifixion Luke 23:26–31

Verse 26. When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. Verse 27. A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. Verse 28. But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. Verse 29. For 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.’ Verse 30. Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’

Verse 31. For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?”

The Crucifixion Luke 23:32–43

Verse 32. There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. Verse 33. When 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. Verse 34. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. Verse 35. The 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!” Verse 36. The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar,

Verse 37. and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Verse 38. An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Verse 39. One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!” Verse 40. But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? Verse 41. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Verse 42. He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Verse 43. Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Death of Jesus Luke 23:44–49

Verse 44. It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. Verse 45. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Verse 46. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. Verse 47. When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” Verse 48. All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. Verse 49. All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Burial of Jesus Luke 23:50–56

Verse 50. Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man Verse 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: Verse 52. this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. Verse 53. He 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. Verse 54. It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. Verse 55. The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid.

Verse 56. They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in Luke 23

justice and injustice

In this chapter, Pilate declares his findings multiple times, asserting in v. 4, 'I find no basis for a charge against this man.' Despite this, the crowd demands Jesus' crucifixion, aligning with the theme of injustice as the innocent suffer. Pilate's unwillingness to stand against public pressure culminates in his decree to deliver Jesus to their will in v. 24, underscoring the failure of justice in the political system.

forgiveness and grace

As Jesus hangs on the cross, he expresses forgiveness in verse 34, saying, 'Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.' This moment reveals his grace toward those who have wronged him. In verse 43, he promises the repentant criminal, 'today you will be with me in Paradise,' which illustrates the unconditional grace available even as he faces death.

the power of the cross

The crucifixion scene, particularly in vv. 32-33, where Jesus is executed between two criminals, starkly displays the power of the cross. Through his suffering, Jesus fulfills his mission, signified in v. 46 as he commits his spirit to God. The darkness that envelops the land from v. 44 suggests a cosmic significance to his death, marking it as a pivotal moment in salvation history.

obedience to God's will

Jesus’ journey to the cross demonstrates his unwavering obedience to God's will, culminating in verse 46 where he says, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' Throughout the chapter, he endures trials and mockery yet remains steadfast in his purpose. His act of forgiveness towards those who condemn him fulfills the role of the suffering servant, aligning with divine intent during his passion.

Chapter outline

How Luke 23 unfolds

  1. Luke 23:1–5 Jesus Brought Before Pilate

    The Jewish leaders present Jesus to Pilate, accusing him of inciting rebellion and claiming to be a king (vv. 1-2). Pilate finds no basis for these charges after questioning Jesus (v. 4).

  2. Luke 23:6–12 Jesus Sent to Herod

    Pilate learns Jesus is from Galilee and sends him to Herod, who desires to see Jesus perform a miracle (vv. 6-8). Herod mocks Jesus and returns him to Pilate without charges (vv. 10-11).

  3. Luke 23:13–25 Pilate's Judgment

    Pilate gathers the Jewish leaders and declares he finds no crime in Jesus, proposing to chastise and release him (vv. 13-16). The crowd demands Barabbas' release instead of Jesus (vv. 18-19).

  4. Luke 23:26–31 The Road to Crucifixion

    Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross as a large crowd follows, mourning (vv. 26-27). Jesus addresses the women, urging them to weep for themselves and their children (vv. 28-30).

  5. Luke 23:32–43 The Crucifixion

    Jesus is crucified alongside criminals, and he prays, ‘Father, forgive them’ (vv. 33-34). One criminal recognizes Jesus’ innocence and asks to be remembered in his kingdom, to which Jesus responds with assurance (vv. 39-43).

  6. Luke 23:44–49 Death of Jesus

    At the sixth hour, darkness falls over the land, and Jesus commits his spirit to the Father before dying (vv. 44-46). A centurion acknowledges Jesus as a righteous man, and the crowd reacts with sorrow (vv. 47-48).

  7. Luke 23:50–56 Burial of Jesus

    Joseph of Arimathaea requests Jesus' body from Pilate and lays it in a new tomb (vv. 50-54). The women observe the burial and prepare spices for further anointing (vv. 55-56).

Key verses

  • Luke 23:34Jesus says this while being crucified, forgiving those who mock him, which sets a tone of mercy amidst the injustice of his execution.

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Study questions

Questions for studying Luke 23

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v2, what accusations do the chief priests bring against Jesus?
  2. observeWhat does Pilate say about Jesus' guilt in vv. 14-15?
  3. interpretThe crowd's choice of Barabbas in v18: what does this say about their values?
  4. interpretJesus' words 'Father, forgive them' in v34: what does this suggest about His view of His executioners?
  5. applyWhen have you felt the burden of someone else's cross, like Simon of Cyrene in v26?

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Luke 23: frequently asked questions

What is Luke 23 about?+
The whole company of them brings Jesus before Pilate, accusing him of perverting the nation and claiming to be a king (vv. 1-5).
What is the key verse in Luke 23?+
Luke 23:34: “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.”
What are the main themes of Luke 23?+
The main themes of Luke 23 are justice and injustice, forgiveness and grace, the power of the cross, obedience to God's will.

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