Luke 23:33
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the text tells us Jesus was crucified with two criminals, the stark placement – one on His right, one on His left – highlights the unique position He occupied. He wasn't just another condemned man; He was placed between utter rebellion and the dawning of repentance, a living testament to the opposing paths humanity takes in response to Him. This detail powerfully sets the stage for the contrasting fates of the two thieves.
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified, and now he's being led to the place of execution. He's flanked by two criminals, highlighting the utter disgrace and suffering of his impending death. This moment immediately precedes his prayer for his executioners and the casting of lots for his garments, setting the stage for the profound events on the cross.
The place where Jesus was crucified had a name that sounds chilling: 'The Skull.' But what does this name really mean, and why is it significant?
The Gospel writers tell us that the place was called 'Calvary,' which is the Latin translation of the Aramaic word 'Golgotha.' Both words mean 'skull.'
A Grim Landscape
This name likely came from the shape of the terrain – perhaps a rounded hill that resembled a skull. It might have also been a place where executions happened, leaving behind the grim evidence of its name.
A Symbol of Death
Regardless of the exact origin, the name 'The Skull' immediately evokes a powerful image of death and finality. It was a fitting, stark backdrop for the ultimate act of sacrifice.
Jesus wasn't alone on the cross. He was flanked by two others. This detail isn't just historical; it highlights profound truths about humanity and redemption.
The verse states plainly: '...there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.' This wasn't an accident of logistics; it was a deliberate placement that spoke volumes.
The Depth of His Sacrifice
Being crucified between two wrongdoers underscored the immense depth of Jesus' sacrifice. He, the sinless Son of God, was treated as the greatest sinner.
Humanity's Choice
This arrangement also became a powerful picture of humanity's choice. On either side of Christ, the Scripture shows us two paths: one of hardened rebellion and one of repentant faith. The cross of Christ, even in its darkest hour, revealed the differing responses of the human heart.
Understand the original words
stauroō · Greek Verb
A form of capital punishment involving being nailed or tied to a wooden cross, used by the Roman Empire for slaves, revolutionaries, and non-citizens. It serves as a symbol of sacrifice, substitutionary atonement, and the ultimate humiliation of the Messiah.
The place name 'Golgotha' (Calvary), meaning 'skull,' likely derived from the site's shape or its use as a burial ground, adding a stark, grim setting to Jesus' execution.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus condemned by Pilate
After a trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who ultimately condemns him to crucifixion despite acknowledging no guilt.
c. AD 30
Jesus carries the cross to Golgotha
Jesus is forced to carry his cross to the execution site outside the city walls, a common practice for Roman capital punishment.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and division of garments
Jesus and two criminals are crucified. Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic, fulfilling prophecy.
c. AD 30
Jesus' final words and death
From the cross, Jesus utters prayers for his executioners and his mother, commissions John, and declares his work complete before giving up his spirit.
This passage shares the same detail about arriving at the place called 'Skull' or 'Golgotha' and the crucifixion taking place there.
Mark 15:22This verse also describes Jesus being led to the place called Golgotha and then crucified, highlighting the location of the event.
John 19:17-18John's Gospel mentions Jesus carrying his own cross to the place called 'the place of a skull,' and being crucified there with two others, one on either side.
Isaiah 53:12This prophetic passage speaks of the suffering servant being numbered with the transgressors, which is fulfilled by Jesus being crucified between two criminals.
Luke 23:39-43Immediately following the crucifixion, this passage details the interaction with the two criminals, one who mocks Jesus and one who repents, showing the starkly different responses to Christ's suffering.
vincentLuke 23:33: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
Calvary (Κρανίον)The Greek word is the translation of the Hebrew Golgotha. See on Matthew 27:33.
clarkeLuke 23:33: "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
The place - called Calvary - See on Matthew 27:33 (note). They crucified him - See the nature of this punishment explained Matthew 27:35 (note).
While the text tells us Jesus was crucified with two criminals, the stark placement – one on His right, one on His left – highlights the unique position He occupied. He wasn't just another condemned man; He was placed between utter rebellion and the dawning of repentance, a living testament to the opposing paths humanity takes in response to Him. This detail powerfully sets the stage for the contrasting fates of the two thieves.
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified, and now he's being led to the place of execution. He's flanked by two criminals, highlighting the utter disgrace and suffering of his impending death. This moment immediately precedes his prayer for his executioners and the casting of lots for his garments, setting the stage for the profound events on the cross.
Jesus has just been condemned and handed over to be crucified, and now he's being led to the place of execution. He's flanked by two criminals, highlighting the utter disgrace and suffering of his impending death. This moment immediately precedes his prayer for his executioners and the casting of lots for his garments, setting the stage for the profound events on the cross.
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"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left." — While the text tells us Jesus was crucified with two criminals, the stark placement – one on His right, one on His left – highlights the unique position He occupied. He wasn't just another condemned…
