· Translation: KJV

Luke 23:47When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man."

The setting

Golgotha, Jerusalem, Israel. Immediately after Jesus' death. A Roman centurion who supervised the crucifixion makes a stunning declaration...

The emotion here: professionally documenting an unexpected moment of recognition and wonder

The original word

dikaios (δίκαιος) — righteous, innocent, the exact word used in court for 'not guilty'

Why it matters

Roman centurions commanded 80-100 soldiers and had overseen dozens of crucifixions

Read with care

What most readers miss in Luke 23:47

This centurion was Jesus' executioner — the man who nailed Him to the cross now declares His innocence

Common misconceptionPeople think this was just polite respect for the dead. But this hardened soldier used legal language — he was declaring Jesus innocent of all charges.

Bible Genome reading

Luke 23:47 — Bible Genome reading

Speakercenturion
Eragospel
Primary emotionworship
Literary typenarrative

Emotional genome

Comfort power65%
Quotability75%
Memorability80%
Crisis relevance70%
Standalone70%
Themes:recognitionrighteousness

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Luke 23

Luke 23:47 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. The setting is the battlefield. These words are attributed to centurion. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 65% and a tone that is celebratory. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include recognition, righteousness. Notable phrases: glorified God; Certainly this was a righteous man.

Your reflection

What does Luke 23:47 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "worship"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.