Bible Strands
Luke 23:47
When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — A Roman centurion standing at the crucifixion site observes Jesus’ death immediately after Jesus commits His spirit to the Father. He speaks aloud to God and the surrounding witnesses.
The words — ἐδόξαζεν (edoxazen) = he was glorifying. The centurion actively praises God upon witnessing the events of the crucifixion.
The thread — Parallel accounts in Matthew 27:54 and Mark 15:39 record the same centurion declaring Jesus’ identity after observing the manner of His death. Luke 23:41 provides the contrasting confession of the repentant thief on the cross.
Why it lands — The text records an external observer acknowledging Jesus’ innocence and responding with praise to God. It demands a clear-eyed assessment of Jesus’ character based on His final actions rather than speculation.
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
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
- Mark 15:39 When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
- Luke 23:41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
- Matthew 9:8 When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
- John 19:7 “We have a law,” answered the Jews, “and according to that law He must die, because He declared Himself to be the Son of God.”