New Testament
Luke 23:21
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But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
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But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
What Luke 23:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the intense emotions of the crowd as they demand the crucifixion of Jesus. Despite the evidence of His innocence and the miracles He performed, the people are swayed by their leaders and their own fears. The repetition of 'Crucify him!' emphasizes their determination and the mob mentality that can arise in such situations. This moment highlights the conflict between justice and public opinion, showing how easily people can be influenced to act against their better judgment. The crowd's choice reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and a rejection of the truth that Jesus represented. This scene is pivotal in the narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, illustrating the tragic outcome of collective anger and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah's suffering. It serves as a reminder of the power of voices in society and the importance of standing firm in truth, even when faced with overwhelming opposition.
How to apply Luke 23:21 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider how easily we can be influenced by the crowd around us. It encourages us to seek truth and justice, even when it is unpopular. We should strive to stand firm in our beliefs and values, rather than succumbing to peer pressure or societal expectations.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Luke 23:1–25)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 23:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 23:21 mean?
Luke 23:21 depicts the crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting their intense emotions and willingness to reject truth despite His innocence. This moment illustrates the dangers of mob mentality and the influence of public opinion over justice.
How does Luke 23:21 relate to the theme of injustice?
Luke 23:21 relates to injustice by showing how the crowd, driven by fear and manipulation, chooses to condemn an innocent man. This highlights the conflict between moral truth and societal pressure.
What does the repetition of 'Crucify him' indicate?
The repetition of 'Crucify him' emphasizes the crowd's fervor and unity in their demand, illustrating the power of collective voices in shaping actions, even when those actions are unjust.
What can we learn from Luke 23:21 about standing for truth?
Luke 23:21 teaches the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs and seeking truth, even when faced with overwhelming opposition from the crowd. It serves as a reminder to resist peer pressure and uphold justice.
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