New Testament
Luke 23:42
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges Him as Lord and pleads for remembrance in His kingdom.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Then he said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges Him as Lord and pleads for remembrance in His kingdom. This moment highlights the criminal's faith in Jesus despite his dire circumstances. He recognizes Jesus' authority and the hope of eternal life, showing that even in the last moments of life, one can turn to Christ for salvation. The request to be remembered signifies a desire for a relationship with Jesus and an understanding of His kingship. This interaction illustrates the theme of grace, as Jesus responds to the man's faith with a promise of paradise, demonstrating that redemption is available to all, regardless of their past. It emphasizes the importance of faith and repentance, even at the end of life, and reassures believers of Jesus' mercy and willingness to save those who seek Him sincerely.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 23:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek Jesus in our lives, no matter our past mistakes. It reminds us that it's never too late to turn to Him for forgiveness and to trust in His promise of eternal life. We should share this hope with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 23:42 teach about faith?
Luke 23:42 illustrates that faith can emerge even in the most desperate situations. The criminal acknowledges Jesus as Lord and expresses a desire to be remembered in His kingdom, showcasing a profound belief in Jesus' authority and promise of salvation. This teaches us that faith does not depend on our circumstances but on our recognition of Jesus' power and grace.
How does Jesus respond to the criminal in Luke 23:42?
In response to the criminal's plea, Jesus assures him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.' This response highlights Jesus' willingness to offer forgiveness and salvation, regardless of one's past. It emphasizes the theme of grace, showing that redemption is available to anyone who sincerely seeks it, even at the last moment of life.
What is the significance of asking to be remembered in Luke 23:42?
The request to be remembered signifies a desire for a personal relationship with Jesus and an acknowledgment of His kingship. It reflects the criminal's faith and hope for eternal life, indicating that he understands Jesus' authority and the promise of His kingdom. This moment underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and the transformative power of faith.
Can we find hope in Luke 23:42 for our own lives?
Yes, Luke 23:42 offers hope by reminding us that it is never too late to turn to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Regardless of our past mistakes, we can seek Him sincerely, just as the criminal did. This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' promise of eternal life and to share this hope with others who may feel lost or unworthy.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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