Bible Strands
Luke 23:41
We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The penitent thief speaks to his fellow condemned criminal while both hang on crosses beside Jesus. His statement follows his companion’s earlier rebuke and occurs moments before he addresses Jesus directly.
The words — The Greek term δικαίως (dikaiōs) translates literally as “justly,” and ἄξια (axia) means “worthy” or “deserving.” The text states that the speaker and his companion are receiving the penalty their own actions merit, contrasting this with the innocent man beside them.
The thread — The confession of deserved punishment runs through Leviticus 26:40, Ezra 9:13, and Matthew 27:4. Each passage links acknowledged guilt or responsibility directly to the consequence or execution that follows.
Why it lands — The text first asserts that the thieves are receiving what they did, then declares the crucified man has done nothing wrong. It asks the reader to measure personal guilt accurately before evaluating the claims made about another.
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
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 26:40 But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me—
- Ezra 9:13 After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt (though You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this),
- Matthew 27:4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
- Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
- 1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
- Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
- 2 Chronicles 33:12 And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers.
- Nehemiah 9:3 While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.
- Daniel 9:4 And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments,
- Matthew 27:19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”