Matthew 27:38
Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
σταυροῦνται
crucified
G4717
σταυροῦνται
crucified
Strong's:
G4717
Word #:
2 of 13
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
3 of 13
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
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
ἐξ
on
G1537
ἐξ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
the right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
9 of 13
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 19:18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.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.Mark 15:27And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.Matthew 27:44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.Luke 22:37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Historical Context
Crucifixion was reserved for slaves, pirates, and insurrectionists—never Roman citizens (except for treason). That Jesus was crucified between two lēstai reinforced the charge of sedition: he was treated as the ringleader of a revolutionary movement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's position between two criminals fulfill both prophecy and the request in Matthew 20:20-23?
- What does one thief's repentance (Luke 23:39-43) reveal about the sufficiency of Christ's grace even in the final moments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left (δύο λῃσταί, dyo lēstai)—not petty thieves but lēstai, bandits or insurrectionists (same word for Barabbas, John 18:40). Jesus is numbered with transgressors (Isaiah 53:12), literally between them.
The positioning fulfills the request of James and John's mother: Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom (Matthew 20:21). Jesus replied, Ye know not what ye ask. Now we see: the right and left positions in his kingdom are crosses. Glory comes through suffering.