Matthew 27:38

Modern

Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left.

Traditional

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

Literal

At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left.

Latin

Tunc crucifixi sunt cum eo duo latrones: unus a dextris, et unus a sinistris.

Greek

English

Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left.

Jesus was crucified between two convicted revolutionaries. This increased his shame and made him appear guilty by association (linked with rebels).

The crowd mocked Jesus, but their words were still true. He is the Son of God, the King of Israel, and the Messiah.

Theme notes and profiles

John 19:18
There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle.
John 19:31–35
It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.
Luke 23:39–43
One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
Matthew 27:44
In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
Mark 15:27
Along with Jesus, they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.
Luke 22:37
For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”
Luke 23:32–33
Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.