And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Matthew mentions "the robbers" reviling Jesus, the phrasing subtly suggests it wasn't necessarily both simultaneously, hinting that one might have quickly changed their tune. This allows for the later account in Luke, where one robber is clearly penitent, to coexist with Matthew's more general statement.
And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus hangs on the cross, He is surrounded by mockers: passersby, religious leaders, and even the soldiers. This verse describes the final group to join in the taunts – the two robbers crucified alongside Him. While one of them will later show remorse, at this moment, both echo the insults of the crowd, questioning Jesus' identity as Messiah and King.
Jesus wasn't alone on the cross. Two criminals were there with him, enduring the same brutal punishment. Yet, their reactions couldn't be more different.
Matthew's Gospel, and others, describe the scene of Jesus' crucifixion alongside two criminals.
A Sea of Scorn
Matthew 27:44 states, 'The thieves also, who were crucified with him, reviled him in the same way.' This paints a picture of shared suffering that turned into shared scorn. At first glance, it seems both criminals joined in the mockery directed at Jesus by the crowds, the chief priests, and the elders.
A Crucial Distinction
However, when we cross-reference with Luke's Gospel, we see a pivotal detail: 'One of the criminals who were hanged there reviled him, saying, 'Is not he the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?' (Luke 23:39-40).
This reveals a profound truth: even in the darkest moments, amidst shared physical agony, human hearts respond in vastly different ways. While one criminal echoed the world's disbelief and demanded rescue, the other found fear of God and a quiet confession of innocence, even in his own impending death.
The enemies of Jesus hurled insults, challenging His identity and power. But their very accusations, and the criminals' reactions, strangely highlight who Jesus truly was.
The taunts directed at Jesus on the cross weren't just random insults; they were specific challenges rooted in His claims and identity.
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The Challenge to the 'King of Israel'
The chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked, 'He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him' (Matthew 27:42). They twisted His actions and His claims, demanding a display of power that would align with their earthly expectations of a king.
The Criminals' Echo of Disbelief
Similarly, the robbers, at least one of them, 'reviled him in the same way' (Matthew 27:44). Their taunts likely mirrored the others: if you are the Christ, save yourself and us. This was a desperate cry born of their own suffering and disbelief, a reflection of the world's demand for immediate, visible rescue.
Unveiling the True King
What's remarkable is how these very challenges, meant to discredit Jesus, inadvertently point to His unique mission. His inability to 'save himself' was precisely what allowed Him to save others. His Kingship wasn't meant to be demonstrated by a physical descent from the cross, but by the ultimate victory over sin and death that His sacrifice would achieve. The robbers' skepticism, contrasted with the eventual faith of one, shows how the cross, the ultimate symbol of shame to the world, becomes the very place where true identity and saving power are revealed.
Understand the original words
lēstēs · Greek Noun
Criminals or bandits involved in violent insurrection or theft. They were often executed alongside political or dangerous offenders.
oneidizō · Greek Verb
To insult, reproach, or speak abusively. It carries the weight of intense verbal attack and disdain.
The Gospel writers note that the criminals crucified with Jesus also mocked him, though Luke's account highlights one robber's repentance. This stark contrast underscores the varied human responses to Jesus even in his most vulnerable moment, emphasizing that salvation is available even at the last second.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified between two criminals, a common method of execution by the Romans for serious crimes like rebellion or robbery.
c. 30 AD
Mockery at the Cross
Passersby, soldiers, chief priests, scribes, and elders mock Jesus, taunting him to save himself if he is truly the Son of God or the King of Israel.
c. 30 AD
Conflicting Reactions of the Criminals
While one criminal joins in reviling Jesus, the other rebukes him, expresses fear of God, and asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom, demonstrating a remarkable repentance.
This Psalm describes the suffering servant and explicitly mentions 'all who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads,' which echoes the mockery Jesus endured, including from those crucified with him.
Isaiah 53:12This prophecy foretells the suffering servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' directly paralleling Jesus' crucifixion alongside two criminals, highlighting the depth of his humiliation for our sake.
Luke 23:39-43While Matthew 27:44 speaks of 'the robbers' reviling Jesus, Luke's account reveals that only one of them did so initially, while the other rebuked him and confessed Jesus. This provides a fuller picture of the contrasting reactions even among those in the direst circumstances.
Philippians 2:8This passage emphasizes Jesus' obedience even to death on a cross, illustrating the profound humility and sacrifice involved. His willingness to suffer alongside criminals underscores the extreme extent of his self-emptying for humanity.
henryMatthew 27:35-44: "And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots."
27:35-44 It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified wit…
clarkeMatthew 27:44: "The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth."
The thieves also - cast the same in his teeth - That is, one of the robbers; for one, we find, was a penitent, Luke 23:39 , Luke 23:40 . See this form of expression accounted for, on Matthew 26:8 (note).
While Matthew mentions "the robbers" reviling Jesus, the phrasing subtly suggests it wasn't necessarily both simultaneously, hinting that one might have quickly changed their tune. This allows for the later account in Luke, where one robber is clearly penitent, to coexist with Matthew's more general statement.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, He is surrounded by mockers: passersby, religious leaders, and even the soldiers. This verse describes the final group to join in the taunts – the two robbers crucified alongside Him. While one of them will later show remorse, at this moment, both echo the insults of the crowd, questioning Jesus' identity as Messiah and King.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, He is surrounded by mockers: passersby, religious leaders, and even the soldiers. This verse describes the final group to join in the taunts – the two robbers crucified alongside Him. While one of them will later show remorse, at this moment, both echo the insults of the crowd, questioning Jesus' identity as Messiah and King.
"And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way." — While Matthew mentions "the robbers" reviling Jesus, the phrasing subtly suggests it wasn't necessarily both simultaneously, hinting that one might have quickly changed their tune. This allows for th…
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Last reviewed October 2026