Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἔλεγεν
said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πάτερ
Father
G3962
Πάτερ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἴδασιν
they know
G1492
οἴδασιν
they know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιοῦσιν
they do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
they do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
διαμεριζόμενοι
they parted
G1266
διαμεριζόμενοι
they parted
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
13 of 19
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Romans 12:14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.Psalms 22:18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.Genesis 50:17So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Acts 3:17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Historical Context
Crucifixion was Rome's most brutal execution method, reserved for slaves and rebels. Jesus' prayer while being nailed to the cross demonstrates supernatural love transcending human capability. 'They' likely includes Roman soldiers (following orders without understanding), Jewish leaders (rejecting their Messiah), and ultimately all humanity—our sins put Jesus on the cross. Peter's Pentecost sermon later emphasized that crucifiers killed 'the Prince of life' in ignorance (Acts 3:14-17), yet offered forgiveness. Jesus' prayer was answered—many crucifiers later believed (centurion, Acts 2:41). This prayer reveals grace's heart—God forgives those who don't deserve forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' praying for His executioners' forgiveness teach about the nature of divine love and the gospel's reach?
- How does the phrase 'they know not what they do' explain human sin and God's response to our ignorance of sin's full severity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From the cross, Jesus prays: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' This prayer for His executioners demonstrates divine love's extent—forgiving those actively murdering Him. The phrase 'they know not what they do' doesn't excuse their sin but explains it—they didn't fully comprehend they were crucifying the Son of God. This prayer models Jesus' teaching to love enemies (Luke 6:27-28) and demonstrates the gospel's essence—grace for the undeserving, forgiveness for enemies, love triumphing over hate. Stephen later echoed this prayer when stoned (Acts 7:60), showing Jesus' disciples learning His love.