Luke 23:32-34

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 23:32 tc The text reads either “two other criminals” or “others, two criminals.” The first reading (found in P⁷⁵ א B) could be read as describing Jesus as a criminal, while the second (found in A C D L W Θ Ψ 070 0250 ƒ^1,13 33 M) looks like an attempt to prevent this identification. The first reading, more difficult to explain from the other, is likely autographic.sn Jesus is numbered among the criminals (see Isa 53:12 and Luke 22:37).
2. Luke 23:33 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the conclusion of the preceding material.
3. Luke 23:33 sn The place that is called ‘The Skull’ (known as Golgotha in Aramaic, cf. John 19:17) is north and just outside of Jerusalem. The hill on which it is located protruded much like a skull, giving the place its name. The Latin word for Greek κρανίον (kranion) is calvaria, from which the English word “Calvary” derives (cf. Luke 23:33 in the KJV).
4. Luke 23:33 sn See the note on crucify in 23:21.
5. Luke 23:34 tc Many significant mss (P⁷⁵ א¹ B D* W Θ 070 579 1241 sy^s sa) lack v. 34a. It is included in א*^,2 (A) C D² L Ψ 0250 ƒ^1,(13) 33 M lat sy^c,p,h. It also fits a major Lukan theme of forgiving the enemies (6:27-36), and it has a parallel in Stephen’s response in Acts 7:60. The lack of parallels in the other Gospels argues also for inclusion here. On the other hand, the fact of the parallel in Acts 7:60 may well have prompted early scribes to insert the saying in Luke’s Gospel alone. Further, there is the great difficulty of explaining why early and diverse witnesses lack the saying. A decision is difficult, but even those who regard the verse as inauthentic literarily often consider it to be authentic historically. For this reason it has been placed in single brackets in the translation.
6. Luke 23:34 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
7. Luke 23:34 tn Grk “cast lots” (probably by using marked pebbles or broken pieces of pottery). A modern equivalent “threw dice” was chosen here because of its association with gambling.
8. Luke 23:34 sn An allusion to Ps 22:18, which identifies Jesus as the suffering innocent one.