Luke 23:42
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τᾠ
G3588
τᾠ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
unto Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
unto Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μνήσθητί
remember
G3415
μνήσθητί
remember
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
5 of 13
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
Κύριε,
Lord
G2962
Κύριε,
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
8 of 13
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἔλθῃς
thou comest
G2064
ἔλθῃς
thou comest
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τῃ
G3588
τῃ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 16:31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.Luke 12:8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum humiliation and deterrence. Victims were displayed at major roads or city gates, often with placards stating their crimes. Two thieves (Greek lēstai—'bandits' or insurrectionists, not petty criminals) flanked Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah 53:12 ('numbered with the transgressors'). One thief initially mocked (Matthew 27:44) but then repented—conversion in extremis.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the thief's faith reveal about the sufficiency of Christ's grace apart from religious works or credentials?
- How does this criminal's recognition of Jesus's kingdom challenge your understanding of what it means to see Christ as King?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom (Κύριε, μνήσθητί μου ὅταν ἔλθῃς εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν σου)—In the Greek, mnēsthēti means 'remember,' but carries the Hebrew sense of covenant faithfulness and active intervention, not mere mental recall. This dying criminal, witnessing Jesus crucified as 'King of the Jews,' perceives the kingdom's reality beyond the cross.
Calling Jesus Kyrios (Lord) acknowledges divine authority. The thief's theology is stunning: while religious leaders mocked, this outcast grasped that Christ's kingdom would come after death, that crucifixion was the pathway to enthronement. His simple request—remember me—echoes Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11) and anticipates the New Covenant promise: 'their sins and iniquities will I remember no more' (Hebrews 10:17). Faith at its purest—no time for works, no religious credentials, just grace received.