Matthew 27:44 - The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.

Generated Verse: Matthew 27:44

What does "Matthew 27:44" mean?


Matthew 27:44 states, "The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach." This verse means that even the criminals being crucified alongside Jesus joined in the mocking and insults directed at him.

Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:

Robbers (or bandits): These were criminals being punished with crucifixion, a common Roman practice.
Crucified with him: This indicates they were being executed alongside Jesus, sharing his suffering in a physical sense.
Cast on him the same reproach: This is the key part. It means they hurled the same insults, accusations, and taunts at Jesus that others were already directing at him. What were these reproaches? Based on the surrounding verses, these reproaches would have included:

Challenging him to save himself if he was truly the Son of God.
Mocking his claim to be the King of the Jews.
Questioning his power and authority, given his current state of helplessness.

The significance of this verse lies in its contribution to the depiction of Jesus' suffering and humiliation. Even those who were themselves condemned criminals joined in the chorus of derision, highlighting the depth of Jesus' isolation and the perceived failure of his mission in the eyes of those present.

Some later manuscripts of Luke's Gospel present one of the robbers as repentant and seeking forgiveness from Jesus, which contrasts this image in Matthew. However, in the immediate context of Matthew's narrative, the verse serves to underscore the extent of Jesus' rejection and the apparent triumph of his enemies.