The Meaning of Luke 23:34 Explained

Luke 23:34

KJV: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

YLT: And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do;' and parting his garments they cast a lot.

Darby: And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And, parting out his garments, they cast lots.

ASV: And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Then  said  Jesus,  Father,  forgive  them;  for  they know  not  what  they do.  And  they parted  his  raiment,  and cast  lots. 

What does Luke 23:34 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In contrast to the hate and rejection expressed in crucifixion (cf. Psalm 22:6-8), Jesus manifested love and forgiveness for those who crucified Him. He prayed for them basing His petition for mercy on their ignorance even though at the same time they were stealing His garments in fulfillment of prophecy ( Psalm 22:18). Luke"s inclusion of Jesus" prayer for His executioners harmonizes with his emphasis on Jesus offering grace and forgiveness to sinners (cf. Luke 7:40-43; Luke 19:10). If Jesus had had any sins of His own to confess, this would have been the time to do so. He did not, so He prayed for other sinners instead. Stephen followed Jesus" good example here when he died at the hands of his persecutors ( Acts 7:60). Luke may have wanted his readers to see Jesus" act as a good model for disciples.

Context Summary

Luke 23:26-34 - "they Crucified The Lord Of Glory"
Simon's two sons are believed to have become Christians. See Mark 15:21, Romans 16:13. Perhaps this strange interruption in his ordinary experiences led to the whole household becoming Christian. Jesus and he bore the cross together. So later, Symeon of Cambridge, who was much reviled for his evangelical principles, loved to think that he and Christ were suffering together.
Ever more thoughtful for others than for Himself, the Lord seemed to forget His griefs that He might address warnings and entreaties to these poor women, Luke 23:28. He was the young green tree in the forest glade, consumed in the awful heat of divine burnings, while they and theirs were the dry wood, which would soon crackle in the overthrow of their city.
On the cross our Lord became immediately the high priest, pleading for the great world and for His own; and He has never ceased since. See Hebrews 7:25. Sins of ignorance are placed in a different category from those of presumption; See 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 John 5:16. The answer to that prayer, Luke 23:34, was given on the day of Pentecost. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 23

1  Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod
8  Herod mocks him
12  Herod and Pilate become friends
13  Barabbas is desired of the people,
24  and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified
26  He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34  prays for his enemies
39  Two criminals are crucified with him
46  His death
50  His burial

Greek Commentary for Luke 23:34

Father forgive them [Πατερ απες αυτοις]
Second aorist active imperative of εβαλον κληρον — aphiēmi with dative case. Some of the oldest and best documents do not contain this verse, and yet, while it is not certain that it is a part of Luke‘s Gospel, it is certain that Jesus spoke these words, for they are utterly unlike any one else. Jesus evidently is praying for the Roman soldiers, who were only obeying, but not for the Sanhedrin. [source]
Cast lots [βαλλω]
Second aorist active indicative of ballō See Mark 15:24; Matthew 27:35. John 19:23. shows how the lot was cast for the seamless garment, the four soldiers dividing the other garments. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 23:34

John 15:21 Unto you [εις υμας]
Like the dative υμιν — humin (Textus Receptus) as in the papyri and modern Greek (Robertson, Grammar, p. 594). For my name‘s sake See John 15:20. See this same warning and language in Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13; Matthew 24:9; Luke 21:17). There is little difference in meaning from ενεκεν μου — heneken mou (Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12). Loyalty to the name of Christ will bring persecution as they will soon know (Acts 5:41; Philemon 1:29; 1 Peter 4:14). About the world‘s ignorance of God see Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17; John 16:3. [source]
John 16:26 I say not [ου λεγω]
“I speak not.” Christ did pray for the disciples before his death (John 14:16; John 17:9, John 17:15, John 17:24) and he prays also for sinners (Luke 23:34; 1 John 2:1). Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus (John 14:21, John 14:23; John 17:23; 1 John 4:19). Note αιτεω — aiteō and ερωταω — erōtaō used in practically the same sense as in John 16:23. [source]
John 17:9 I pray [εγω ερωτω]
Request, not question, as in John 16:23. Not for the world Now at this point in the prayer Christ means. In John 17:19 Jesus does pray for the world (for future believers) that it may believe (John 17:21). God loves the whole world (John 3:16). Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8) and prayed for sinners (Luke 23:34) and intercedes for sinners (1 John 2:1.; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). For those whom A condensed and common Greek idiom for περι τουτων ους — peri toutōn hous with τουτων — toutōn (the demonstrative antecedent) omitted and the relative ους — hous attracted from the accusative ους — hous (object of δεδωκας — dedōkas) to the case (genitive) of the omitted antecedent. [source]
John 17:1 Lifting up [επαρας]
First aorist active participle of επαιρω — epairō old and common verb with οπταλμους — ophthalmous (eyes) as in John 4:35; John 6:5; John 11:41. Father Vocative form as in John 16:5, John 16:11; John 11:41, Christ‘s usual way of beginning his prayers. It is inconceivable that this real Lord‘s Prayer is the free composition of a disciple put into the mouth of Jesus. It is rather “the tenacious memory of an old man recalling the greatest days of his life” (Bernard), aided by the Holy Spirit promised for this very purpose (John 14:26; John 16:13.). Jesus had the habit of prayer (Mark 1:35; Mark 6:46; Matthew 11:25.; Luke 3:21; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18, Luke 9:28; Luke 11:22, Luke 11:42; Luke 23:34, Luke 23:46; John 11:41; John 12:27). He prayed here for himself (John 17:1-5), for the disciples (John 17:6-19), for all believers (John 17:20-26). The prayer is similar in spirit to the Model Prayer for us in Matthew 6:9-13. The hour for his glorification has come as he had already told the disciples (John 13:31.; John 12:23). Glorify thy Son First aorist active imperative of δοχαζω — doxazō the only personal petition in this prayer. Jesus had already used this word δοχαζω — doxazō for his death (John 13:31.). Here it carries us into the very depths of Christ‘s own consciousness. It is not merely for strength to meet the Cross, but for the power to glorify the Father by his death and resurrection and ascension, “that the Son may glorify thee” Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive. [source]
Acts 3:17 I wot [οιδα]
Old English for “I know.” In ignorance (κατα αγνοιαν — kata agnoian). This use of κατα — kata occurs in the Koiné. See also Philemon 1:14. One may see note on Luke 23:34 for the words of the Saviour on the Cross. “They had sinned, but their sin was not of so deep a dye that it could not have been still more heinous” (Hackett). If they had known what they were doing, they would not knowingly have crucified the Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:8). [source]
Acts 3:17 In ignorance [κατα αγνοιαν]
This use of κατα — kata occurs in the Koiné. See also Philemon 1:14. One may see note on Luke 23:34 for the words of the Saviour on the Cross. “They had sinned, but their sin was not of so deep a dye that it could not have been still more heinous” (Hackett). If they had known what they were doing, they would not knowingly have crucified the Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:8). [source]
Acts 7:60 Lay not this sin to their charge [μη στησηις αυτοις ταυτην την αμαρτιαν]
First aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive with μη — mē regular Greek idiom, Place not to them or against them (dative αυτοις — autois) this sin. The very spirit of Jesus towards his enemies as he died upon the Cross (Luke 23:34). He fell asleep (εκοιμητη — ekoimēthē). First aorist passive indicative of κοιμαω — koimaō to put to sleep. Old verb and the metaphor of sleep for death is common in all languages, but it is peculiarly appropriate here as Jesus used it of Lazarus. See also Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 15:18, etc. Our word cemetery (κοιμητηριον — koimētērion) is the sleeping place of the dead. Knowling calls εκοιμητη — ekoimēthē here “a picture word of rest and calmness which stands in dramatic contrast to the rage and violence of the scene.” [source]
2 Corinthians 10:1 By the meekness and gentleness of Christ [δια τες πραυτητος και επιεικιας του Χριστου]
This appeal shows (Plummer) that Paul had spoken to the Corinthians about the character of Christ. Jesus claimed meekness for himself (Matthew 11:29) and felicitated the meek (Matthew 5:5) and he exemplified it abundantly (Luke 23:34). See note on Matthew 5:5 and 1 Corinthians 4:21 for this great word that has worn thin with us. Plutarch combines πραυτης — prautēs with επιεικια — epieikia as Paul does here. Matthew Arnold suggested “sweet reasonableness” for επιεικεια — epieikeia in Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch. It is in the N.T. only here and Acts 24:4 In Greek Ethics the equitable man was called επιεικης — epieikēs a man who does not press for the last farthing of his rights (Bernard). Lowly among you (ταπεινος εν υμιν — tapeinos en humin). The bad use of ταπεινος — tapeinos the old use, but here alone in N.T. in that meaning. Socrates and Aristotle used it for littleness of soul. Probably Paul here is quoting one of the sneers of his traducers in Corinth about his humble conduct while with them (1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:6) and his boldness (απων ταρρω — apōn tharrō) when away (1 Corinthians 7:16). “It was easy to satirize and misrepresent a depression of spirits, a humility of demeanour, which were either the direct results of some bodily affliction, or which the consciousness of this affliction had rendered habitual” (Farrar). The words stung Paul to the quick. [source]
1 Peter 3:19 In which also [εν ωι και]
That is, in spirit (relative referring to πνευματι — pneumati). But, a number of modern scholars have followed Griesbach‘s conjecture that the original text was either Νωε και — Nōe kai (Noah also), or Ενωχ και — Enōch kai (Enoch also), or εν ωι και Ενωχ — en hōi kai Enōch (in which Enoch also) which an early scribe misunderstood or omitted Ενωχ και — Enōch kai in copying It is allowed in Stier and Theile‘s Polyglott. It is advocated by J. Cramer in 1891, by J. Rendel Harris in The Expositor (1901), and Sidelights on N.T. Research (p. 208), by Nestle in 1902, by Moffatt‘s New Translation of the New Testament. Windisch rejects it as inconsistent with the context. There is no manuscript for the conjecture, though it would relieve the difficulty greatly. Luther admits that he does not know what Peter means. Bigg has no doubt that the event recorded took place between Christ‘s death and his resurrection and holds that Peter is alluding to Christ‘s Descensus ad Inferos in Acts 2:27 (with which he compares Matthew 27:52.; Luke 23:34; Ephesians 4:9). With this Windisch agrees. But Wohlenberg holds that Peter means that Christ in his preexistent state preached to those who rejected the preaching of Noah who are now in prison. Augustine held that Christ was in Noah when he preached. Bigg argues strongly that Christ during the time between his death and resurrection preached to those who once heard Noah (but are now in prison) and offered them another chance and not mere condemnation. If so, why did Jesus confine his preaching to this one group? So the theories run on about this passage. One can only say that it is a slim hope for those who neglect or reject Christ in this life to gamble with a possible second chance after death which rests on very precarious exegesis of a most difficult passage in Peter‘s Epistle. Accepting the text as we have, what can we make of it? [source]

What do the individual words in Luke 23:34 mean?

- And Jesus was saying Father forgive them not for they know what they do Dividing then the garments of Him they cast lots
δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἔλεγεν Πάτερ ἄφες αὐτοῖς οὐ γὰρ οἴδασιν τί ποιοῦσιν διαμεριζόμενοι δὲ τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ ἔβαλον κλήρους

  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
ἔλεγεν  was  saying 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to speak, say.
Πάτερ  Father 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Singular
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
ἄφες  forgive 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἀφίημι 
Sense: to send away.
οἴδασιν  they  know 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
ποιοῦσιν  they  do 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
διαμεριζόμενοι  Dividing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: διαμερίζω  
Sense: to cleave asunder, cut in pieces.
ἱμάτια  garments 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ἱμάτιον  
Sense: a garment (of any sort).
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἔβαλον  they  cast 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: βάλλω 
Sense: to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls.
κλήρους  lots 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: κλῆρος  
Sense: an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood.