Bible Strands
Mark 15:27
Along with Jesus, they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Mark records the execution scene where Roman soldiers place Jesus on the cross alongside two condemned men. The narrative positions this event immediately after the titulus reading "THE KING OF THE JEWS" is affixed above Him.
The words — The Greek λῃστής (lēstēs) literally means robber or bandit, referring to violent insurrection rather than petty theft. The phrase σὺν αὐτῷ (syn autō) translates directly as "with Him," establishing the physical proximity of the two criminals to Jesus.
The thread — This crucifixion arrangement appears in parallel accounts across Matthew 27:38, Luke 23:32, and John 19:18. Each gospel writer confirms the placement of two offenders on either side of the central figure.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus was executed as a criminal among outlaws, physically flanked by condemned men. A reader must acknowledge that the narrative presents divine authority through shared criminal humiliation rather than political victory.
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The Greek words
King James Version
And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:38 Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left.
- Luke 23:32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
- John 19:18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle.