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Luke 23:48

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 23:48 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.
Luke 23:48 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
45the sun`s light failing: and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost.
47And when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.
49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed with him from Galilee, stood afar off, seeing these things.
50And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man
51(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), [a man] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was looking for the kingdom of God:
← Luke 23:47Luke 23:49 →
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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 all the people that came together to that sight, etc.] To see the execution of Jesus; and some of them might be his inveterate enemies, and came to insult him, and did insult him; many of these, though not every individual of them: beholding the things which were done; the eclipse, earthquake, etc. smote their breasts; as conscious of guilt, and as fearing some dreadful judgment would fall upon them, and their nation, for this sin of crucifying Christ. The Persic version reads, “they went back, and kneeled down, and prostrated themselves to the ground”; as being in the utmost astonishment, confusion, fear, and dread: and returned; to the city, and to their own houses, where they might…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 27:52-55. Luke 23:48 The things which were done - The earthquake, the darkness, and the sufferings of Jesus. Smote their breasts - In token of alarm, fear, and anguish. They saw the judgments of God; they saw the guilt of the rulers; and they feared the farther displeasure of the Almighty. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“All the people - Who had not been actors therein, returned smiting their breasts - In testimony of sorrow. Luke 23:50”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“23:48 went home in deep sorrow (literally went home beating their breasts): Beating the breast was a sign of sorrow and mourning.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“smote: Luk 18:13; Jer 31:19; Act 2:37 Luke 23:49”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 23 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification