John 19:32
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
Original Language Analysis
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
G4757
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
4 of 17
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
of the
G3303
μὲν
of the
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Luke records the 'penitent thief' dialogue (Luke 23:39-43), showing one thief's deathbed conversion. Crucifixion victims typically survived 24-72 hours; breaking legs reduced this to minutes. The soldiers' efficiency in breaking both thieves' legs highlights the exception made for Jesus (verse 33).
Questions for Reflection
- How do the two thieves illustrate the two possible responses to Christ—rejection or repentance?
- What does the penitent thief's immediate salvation teach about grace, faith, and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice?
- Why is proximity to Christ or Christian environments insufficient for salvation without personal faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him (ἦλθον οὖν οἱ στρατιῶται καὶ τοῦ μὲν πρώτου κατέαξαν τὰ σκέλη καὶ τοῦ ἄλλου τοῦ συσταυρωθέντος αὐτῷ, ēlthon oun hoi stratiōtai kai tou men prōtou kateaxan ta skelē kai tou allou tou systaurōthentos autō)—The Roman soldiers systematically broke the legs (κατέαξαν τὰ σκέλη, kateaxan ta skelē) of both thieves crucified with Jesus. The verb κατάγνυμι (katagnymi) means to 'break in pieces, shatter.' This brutal act fulfilled its purpose: hastening death through respiratory failure when victims could no longer lift themselves to exhale.
These two criminals—one who repented (Luke 23:40-43), one who blasphemed (Luke 23:39)—represent humanity's response to Christ. Both witnessed His innocence, heard His prayer for His executioners, experienced His presence in suffering. One found paradise; one died in his sins. Proximity to Jesus doesn't save; faith does.