Mark 15:27
And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
2 of 14
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 14
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
σταυροῦσιν
they crucify
G4717
σταυροῦσιν
they crucify
Strong's:
G4717
Word #:
4 of 14
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
his right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
his right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
9 of 14
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Roman practice sometimes crucified multiple victims simultaneously for efficiency and increased deterrent effect. Placing Jesus between two criminals may have been deliberate degradation—guilt by association with 'bandits' (possibly Barabbas's accomplices?). Crucifixion sites along major roads ensured maximum public visibility. Jewish authorities would have appreciated the symbolism: execution among criminals reinforced their narrative that Jesus was a blasphemous pretender deserving this shameful death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' fulfillment of 'numbered with transgressors' reshape your understanding of His identification with sinners?
- What does the positioning of criminals at Christ's right and left reveal about the path to true glory in God's kingdom?
- How should the reality that one thief repented even while dying affect your evangelism and hope for 'hard cases'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
With him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left—The Greek lēstēs (λῃστής, 'robber/bandit,' plural lēstas) can denote violent brigands or insurrectionists. These weren't petty thieves but dangerous criminals. Mark's spatial precision—on his right...on his left (ἐκ δεξιῶν...ἐξ εὐωνύμων)—echoes the disciples' request in Mark 10:37: 'Grant us to sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.'
Devastating irony: Jesus promised James and John they would share His cup and baptism (10:39), but the positions of honor flanking Him in His 'kingdom' went to crucified criminals. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:12: 'He was numbered with the transgressors.' Jesus died surrounded by sinners—the very people He came to save. The cross is His throne, criminals His courtiers. One thief would repent (Luke 23:40-43), demonstrating that proximity to Christ, even in execution, brings opportunity for salvation.