Bible Strands
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to God the Father from the cross at Golgotha, while the crowd watches and the rulers sneer. The criminals are crucified beside Him.
The words — ἀφές (aphes) is the aorist imperative of ἀφίημι, "release, let go" — a command, not a plea. Jesus is not asking the Father to consider; He is directing Him to act.
The thread — Matthew 5:44 commands prayer for persecutors; Acts 7:60 records Stephen's parallel cry at his own execution; 1 Peter 3:9 calls believers to bless rather than repay evil.
Why it lands — "They do not know what they are doing" is not an excuse but a diagnosis: the reader is asked to examine whether their own hostility is something they have not yet recognized.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Cross-references
- Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
- Acts 7:60 Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
- 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- 1 Peter 2:20 How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
- Luke 6:27 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
- Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
- Genesis 50:17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
- 1 Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
- Psalms 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
- Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.