Luke 23:48
New International Version
When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

New Living Translation
And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow.

English Standard Version
And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.

Berean Standard Bible
And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts.

Berean Literal Bible
And all the crowds having come together to this spectacle, having seen the things that had taken place, were returning home, beating the breasts.

King James Bible
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

New King James Version
And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.

New American Standard Bible
And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, after watching what had happened, began to return home, beating their chests.

NASB 1995
And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.

NASB 1977
And all the multitudes who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.

Legacy Standard Bible
And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, were returning, beating their chests.

Amplified Bible
All the crowds who had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had happened, began to return [to their homes], beating their breasts [as a sign of mourning or repentance].

Christian Standard Bible
All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.

American Standard Version
And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.

Contemporary English Version
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home.

English Revised Version
And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Crowds had gathered to see the sight. But when all of them saw what had happened, they cried and returned to the city.

Good News Translation
When the people who had gathered there to watch the spectacle saw what happened, they all went back home, beating their breasts in sorrow.

International Standard Version
When all the crowds who had come together for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they beat their chests and left.

Majority Standard Bible
And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts.

NET Bible
And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.

New Heart English Bible
All the crowds that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Weymouth New Testament
And all the crowds that had come together to this sight, after seeing all that had occurred, returned to the city beating their breasts.

World English Bible
All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and all the multitudes having come together to this sight, beholding the things that came to pass, turned back striking their breasts;

Berean Literal Bible
And all the crowds having come together to this spectacle, having seen the things that had taken place, were returning home, beating the breasts.

Young's Literal Translation
and all the multitudes who were come together to this sight, beholding the things that came to pass, smiting their breasts did turn back;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the crowds having been to this viewing, seeing the things done, striking their breasts, returned.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight, and saw the things that were done, returned striking their breasts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the entire crowd of those who came together to see this spectacle also saw what had happened, and they returned, striking their breasts.

New American Bible
When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts;

New Revised Standard Version
And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the people who were gathered together to see this sight, when they saw what had happened, returned, beating their breasts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And all the crowds which had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had happened, returned while smiting on their chests.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And all the multitudes that had come together to that sight, when they saw what was done, returned, smiting their breasts.

Godbey New Testament
And all the multitudes being present at that scene, seeing those things which took place, were going away beating their breasts.

Haweis New Testament
And all the multitudes who had come together for this spectacle, when they saw the things which were done, beating their breasts, returned.

Mace New Testament
and all the people that had crowded to that sight, went home striking their breasts at the thoughts of those events.

Weymouth New Testament
And all the crowds that had come together to this sight, after seeing all that had occurred, returned to the city beating their breasts.

Worrell New Testament
And all the multitudes, coming together to this sight, viewing the things that took place, were returning, smiting their breasts.

Worsley New Testament
And all the multitudes that came together to this affecting sight, seeing what happened, smote on their breasts and returned.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Jesus
47When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Mark 15:39
When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Acts 2:37
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Zechariah 12:10
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.

John 19:37
And, as another Scripture says: “They will look on the One they have pierced.”

Matthew 27:55-56
And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. / Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Mark 15:40-41
And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. / These women had followed Jesus and ministered to Him while He was in Galilee, and there were many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him.

John 19:25
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Psalm 22:17
I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.

Amos 8:10
I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day.

Lamentations 2:15
All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”

Jeremiah 31:19
After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

2 Chronicles 35:25
Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers recite laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments.


Treasury of Scripture

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

smote.

Luke 18:13
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Jeremiah 31:19
Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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Beat Beating Beholding Breasts City Crowds Gathered Home Making Multitudes Observed Occurred Sight Signs Smiting Smote Spectacle Together Turn Witness
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Beat Beating Beholding Breasts City Crowds Gathered Home Making Multitudes Observed Occurred Sight Signs Smiting Smote Spectacle Together Turn Witness
Luke 23
1. Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.
8. Herod mocks him.
12. Herod and Pilate become friends.
13. Barabbas is desired of the people,
24. and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.
26. He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34. prays for his enemies.
39. Two criminals are crucified with him.
46. His death.
50. His burial.














And when all the people
This phrase indicates the presence of a large crowd, encompassing a diverse group of individuals who had come to witness the crucifixion. The Greek word for "people" here is "ὄχλος" (ochlos), often used in the Gospels to describe a multitude or crowd. This suggests that the event was not only significant but also public, drawing the attention of many. Historically, crucifixions were public spectacles meant to serve as a deterrent, and the presence of "all the people" underscores the widespread impact of Jesus' death.

who had gathered for this spectacle
The term "spectacle" is translated from the Greek word "θεωρία" (theoria), which implies an event observed with interest or curiosity. This highlights the crucifixion as a moment of intense public interest, not merely a judicial execution but a dramatic event that captured the attention of those present. The use of "spectacle" suggests a scene that was both shocking and significant, drawing people to witness something extraordinary. In a historical context, Roman crucifixions were designed to be humiliating and serve as a warning, yet this particular event carried deeper spiritual implications.

saw what had happened
The act of seeing here is more than just physical observation; it implies understanding and realization. The Greek word "θεωρέω" (theoreo) is used, which can mean to look at with attention or to perceive. This suggests that the crowd not only witnessed the physical events but also began to grasp the gravity of what had occurred. The crucifixion of Jesus was not just another execution; it was a pivotal moment in history, fulfilling prophecies and altering the course of human redemption.

they returned home
This phrase indicates a transition from the public spectacle back to personal reflection. The act of returning home signifies a movement from the communal experience of witnessing the crucifixion to individual contemplation. It suggests that the event left a lasting impression on those who saw it, prompting them to carry the weight of what they had witnessed back into their personal lives. Historically, this reflects the impact of Jesus' death on the broader community, as people began to process the significance of the events they had just observed.

beating their breasts
This expression of grief and remorse is a physical manifestation of deep emotional turmoil. The Greek word "τύπτω" (typto) means to strike or beat, and in this context, it is a gesture of mourning or repentance. In Jewish culture, beating one's breast was a sign of contrition and sorrow, often associated with lamentation. This reaction from the crowd indicates a profound sense of loss and recognition of the injustice that had occurred. It reflects the beginning of a transformative realization among the people, as they grappled with the implications of Jesus' crucifixion and its impact on their understanding of righteousness and divine justice.

(48) To that sight.--The word is used by St. Luke-only in the New Testament, and exactly expresses the purpose of those who had come as to gaze on a "spectacle." These had probably taken little or no part in the insults and taunts of the priests, and now they went away awed, partly by the darkness, partly by the solemn majesty of that awful death.

Smote their breasts, and returned.--Better, returned, smiting their breasts. Both the verb and participle imply continuous action.

Verse 48. - And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. We must remember that the condemnation of the Christ was no spontaneous deed of the multitude. Their miserable share in the act was suggested to them by their rulers. In the multitude very quickly revulsion of feeling sets in, and they often regret the past with a bitter, useless regret. The wave of sorrow which seems to have swept across those wavering, unstable hearts, which induced them to smite their breasts in idle regret, was a dim and shadowy rehearsal of the mighty sorrow and true penitence which will one day, as their prophet told them, be the blessed lot of the once-loved people when "they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son" (Zechariah 12:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And [when]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

all
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
ὄχλοι (ochloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

who had gathered
συμπαραγενόμενοι (symparagenomenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4836: From sun and paraginomai; to be present together, i.e. To convene; by implication, to appear in aid.

for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

this
ταύτην (tautēn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

spectacle
θεωρίαν (theōrian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2335: A sight, spectacle. From the same as theoreo; spectatorship, i.e. a spectacle.

saw
θεωρήσαντες (theōrēsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2334: From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).

what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had taken place,
γενόμενα (genomena)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

they returned [home]
ὑπέστρεφον (hypestrephon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5290: To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.

beating
τύπτοντες (typtontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5180: To beat, strike, wound, inflict punishment.

[their]
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

breasts.
στήθη (stēthē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4738: The breast, chest. From histemi; the bosom, i.e. Chest.


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NT Gospels: Luke 23:48 All the multitudes that came together (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 23:47
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