Crucified Between Two Criminals

32 As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross.(A) 33 When they came to a place called Golgotha(B) (which means Skull Place), 34 they gave Him wine[a] mixed with gall to drink. But when He tasted it, He would not drink it. 35 After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots.[b](C) 36 Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. 37 Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing:

THIS IS JESUS

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38 Then two criminals[c] were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.(D) 39 Those who passed by were yelling insults at[d] Him, shaking their heads(E) 40 and saying, “The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”(F) 41 In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders,[e] mocked Him and said, 42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel!(G) Let Him[f] come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now—if He wants Him![g] For He said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 44 In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 27:34 Other mss read sour wine
  2. Matthew 27:35 Other mss add that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: “They divided My clothes among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”
  3. Matthew 27:38 Or revolutionaries
  4. Matthew 27:39 Lit passed by blasphemed or were blaspheming
  5. Matthew 27:41 Other mss add and Pharisees
  6. Matthew 27:42 Other mss read If He . . . Israel, let Him
  7. Matthew 27:43 Or if He takes pleasure in Him

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