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Luke 23:37

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 23:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.
Luke 23:37 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar,
37and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.
38And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.
40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
← Luke 23:36Luke 23:38 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And saying, if thou be the King of the Jews, etc.] Or their Messiah, who was spoken of as a divine person; for otherwise he might have been their king, and not have been able to have done what is proposed: save thyself: or deliver thyself from the cross.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 27:41-44. Luke 23:38 In letters of Greek ... - See the notes at Matthew 27:37. Luke 23:39 One of the malefactors - Matthew Matthew 27:44 says “the thieves - cast the same in his teeth.” See the apparent contradiction in these statements reconciled in the notes at that place. If thou be Christ - If thou art the Messiah; if thou art what thou dost pretend to be. This is a taunt or reproach of the same kind as that of the priests in Luke 23:35. Save thyself and us - Save our lives. Deliver us from the cross. This man did not seek for salvation truly; he asked not to be delivered from his sins; if he had, Jesus would also have heard him. Men often, in sickness and…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification