New Testament
Luke 23:43
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Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
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And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
What Luke 23:43 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus speaks to one of the criminals crucified alongside Him. The criminal acknowledges his wrongdoing and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus responds with assurance, promising that the criminal will be with Him in Paradise that very day. This statement emphasizes the immediacy of salvation and the grace of Jesus, showing that even in his final moments, the criminal could receive forgiveness and hope. The term 'Paradise' signifies a place of peace and rest, often interpreted as a part of heaven. This interaction highlights the theme of redemption, illustrating that faith in Jesus can lead to eternal life, regardless of one's past actions. It reassures believers that salvation is accessible to all who turn to Christ, even at the last moment of life. This moment also reflects Jesus' compassion and willingness to save, reinforcing the message of hope for those who feel lost or unworthy.
How to apply Luke 23:43 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek Jesus for forgiveness, no matter our past. It reminds us that it's never too late to turn to Him and that genuine faith can lead to salvation. We should share this message of hope with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Crucifixion (Luke 23:26–43)
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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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Keep studying Luke 23:43
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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 23:43 mean?
In Luke 23:43, Jesus assures a crucified criminal that he will be with Him in Paradise that very day. This highlights the immediacy of salvation and the grace offered by Jesus, showing that even in his last moments, the criminal could receive forgiveness.
What is the significance of 'Paradise' in Luke 23:43?
In this verse, 'Paradise' refers to a place of peace and rest, often interpreted as part of heaven. It signifies the hope and eternal life that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him, even at the end of their lives.
How does Luke 23:43 relate to forgiveness?
This verse illustrates that forgiveness is available to anyone who turns to Jesus in faith, even at the last moment. It reassures believers that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
What can we learn from Luke 23:43?
From Luke 23:43, we learn that it's never too late to seek forgiveness and that genuine faith can lead to salvation. This encourages us to share the message of hope and redemption with others.
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