New Testament

Luke 23:44

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, we see a significant event occurring during the crucifixion of Jesus.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

It was about the sixth hour, and darkness covered the entire land until the ninth hour.

KJVKing James Version

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a significant event occurring during the crucifixion of Jesus. The sixth hour refers to noon, a time when the sun is usually at its highest and brightest. However, instead of light, darkness envelops the land for three hours until the ninth hour, which is around 3 PM. This darkness symbolizes the gravity of the moment, reflecting the spiritual turmoil and the weight of sin being placed upon Jesus as He bears the punishment for humanity's transgressions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of the crucifixion and the cosmic implications of Jesus' sacrifice. The darkness can also be interpreted as God's judgment and sorrow over the sin that led to the crucifixion of His Son. This moment is not just a physical phenomenon but a profound spiritual event that signifies the turning point in human history, where light and hope would eventually emerge from this darkness through the resurrection of Jesus. Explore related despair.

Key themes

Related topics

despair, judgment, sacrifice

How to apply Luke 23:44 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the cost of redemption. In moments of darkness in our lives, we can remember that Jesus endured great suffering for our sake. We should seek to live in the light of His sacrifice, sharing hope with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 23:44 mean?

Luke 23:44 describes a period of darkness that lasted from noon until 3 PM during the crucifixion of Jesus. This darkness symbolizes the weight of sin and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.

What is the significance of darkness in Luke 23:44?

The darkness in Luke 23:44 represents God's judgment and sorrow over sin during the crucifixion. It highlights the seriousness of the moment as Jesus bears the punishment for humanity's sins.

Why did darkness cover the land in Luke 23:44?

The darkness that covered the land from the sixth to the ninth hour signifies a profound spiritual event, reflecting the turmoil of Jesus' suffering and the impact of sin on humanity.

How long did the darkness last in Luke 23:44?

The darkness lasted for three hours, from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3 PM), marking a significant moment during the crucifixion of Jesus.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

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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