One of the deepest and illuminating scenes in the entire Bible is the account of the two robbers who were crucified with Jesus. With two criminals on either side of Jesus while he hung on the cross, mankind itself was metaphorically split between rejection and repentance.
While the other thief, crushed and humbled, acknowledged Christ’s innocence and cried out for mercy, the first thief ridiculed the suffering Savior and demanded a miracle escape from the cross. When Jesus promised the repentant thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” His divine compassion was made evident (Luke 23:43). The essence of grace is encapsulated in this brief but impactful encounter: redemption is given via faith and repentance, even at the last breath, and is not merited by actions.
The incident of the two robbers serves as a striking example of the decisions that every person must make when faced with Christ’s reality. Only one of the two men realized the Savior’s true identity, despite being equally close to Him, hearing His words, and witnessing His suffering.
This difference serves as a reminder that salvation is a personal choice that is based on one’s heart’s attitude rather than how close one is to religious truth. No one is beyond God’s grace, as seen by the repentant thief who, despite a life of sin, was granted eternal life in a single act of faith.
Beyond its obvious drama, this chapter reveals the core of the gospel: God’s unending love toward sinners. Jesus forgave instead of condemning in the midst of unimaginable suffering. His assurance to the repentant thief serves as a timeless reminder that anybody who turns to Him in humility and faith can be saved. Every believer is given the same hope of paradise that was given on that somber yet holy day at Calvary through the story of the two thieves, which is not just a tale of death and judgment but also of divine love triumphing over sin.
40 Inspiring Bible Verses About Two Thieves Crucified With Jesus (2025)
1. Luke 23:33
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.”
This verse sets the solemn stage of redemption’s greatest moment. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, is crucified between two condemned men—a vivid symbol of humanity’s divided response to grace. The positioning is intentional; even in death, Christ stands at the center of fallen mankind. One thief mocks, the other repents—portraying the eternal choice every heart must make when confronted with Jesus.
2. Luke 23:39
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’”
The unrepentant thief’s mockery reflects the hardness of a heart that sees pain but not purpose. Even on the brink of eternity, he rejects mercy and demands a miracle without surrender. His cry reveals humanity’s frequent error—wanting salvation from suffering, but not from sin. The scene exposes the danger of pride that blinds us to the Savior standing beside us.
3. Luke 23:40-41
“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’”
Here, repentance is born in the shadow of the cross. The repentant thief acknowledges his guilt and recognizes Jesus’ innocence—an act of humility and faith. Though dying, he discerns divinity in the suffering Christ. This moment reveals the heart of the Gospel: true repentance requires both an admission of sin and a recognition of Jesus’ sinlessness.
4. Luke 23:42
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
With these few words, the thief expresses one of the purest prayers in Scripture. He sees beyond the broken body of Christ to the glory of His eternal kingdom. His plea is simple but profound—a faith that transcends the visible and trusts in the unseen. This prayer models the essence of salvation: belief, humility, and dependence on divine grace.
5. Luke 23:43
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
This assurance is the ultimate expression of divine mercy. Though condemned by men, the repentant thief is accepted by God. In an instant, his eternity changes—no baptism, no works, only faith. Jesus’ response silences all doubts about the reach of grace. It teaches that salvation is immediate and complete for those who call upon Christ with a sincere heart.
6. Isaiah 53:12
“He was numbered with the transgressors; for he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Centuries before Calvary, Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors.” Jesus’ crucifixion between thieves fulfills this prophecy perfectly. Yet even in that suffering, He intercedes—for His enemies, and for the penitent thief. This verse underscores the redemptive paradox of the cross: the Holy One counted among sinners to save them.
7. Matthew 27:38
“Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.”
Matthew’s account emphasizes the rebellion of the two men—mirroring humanity’s revolt against God. Yet one rebel’s heart softens under the weight of divine love. The positioning—right and left—symbolizes choice, judgment, and mercy. The cross becomes the great divide of destiny: two sinners, one Savior, and two eternities shaped by belief or denial.
8. Matthew 27:44
“In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”
Initially, both thieves mock Jesus—showing how pride resists grace even in suffering. But one thief’s heart transforms as he witnesses Christ’s composure, forgiveness, and divine authority. His conversion demonstrates that God’s mercy can break through the hardest hearts, even in their final moments. It’s never too late for grace to find a soul.
9. Mark 15:27
“They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.”
Mark’s gospel highlights the irony of the scene: the King of Glory is placed among criminals. In this setting, divine humility is revealed. Christ’s position among sinners was not accidental—it was redemptive. He stood in the place of rebellion to bring reconciliation, showing that no sinner is beyond the reach of His love.
10. Mark 15:32
“Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”
The taunts of the condemned underline the blindness of unrepentant humanity. Even in shared suffering, they fail to see their Savior. Yet within that darkness, one thief’s eyes are opened to eternity. This passage invites us to self-examination—do we merely observe the cross, or do we truly encounter the Christ upon it?
11. John 19:18
“There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”
John emphasizes the divine symmetry of the crucifixion scene—Christ at the center, between two condemned men. This image encapsulates the human condition: every soul stands on one side or the other of the cross. The Savior’s position in the middle is not mere coincidence; it reveals His eternal role as Mediator. Between heaven and earth, holiness and sin, innocence and guilt—Jesus stands, bridging what man could never reconcile. Both thieves represent the spectrum of human response: one embraces grace, the other rejects it. Yet in both, the love of God is displayed fully, for Christ died for each.
12. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This foundational verse is embodied vividly in the story of the penitent thief. Hanging on a cross beside the Son of God, he becomes the “whoever believes” Jesus spoke of. The thief’s simple faith—uttered in desperation yet rooted in genuine belief—receives the promise of eternal life. The cross proves that salvation is not earned through deeds or time served in righteousness; it is given through faith. The thief’s salvation shatters every human boundary of worthiness, showing that even in our final breath, belief in Christ can bridge us into eternity.
13. Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The scene at Calvary is the ultimate proof of divine love. Christ did not wait for man’s repentance before He offered redemption—He died in the midst of sinners, literally surrounded by them. The repentant thief becomes the first-fruits of that love, a living testimony that divine mercy is not bound by time, worth, or ritual. In that moment, love overcame justice; grace triumphed over guilt. This verse reveals that salvation is not a transaction—it is a gift born from love that acts before we even seek forgiveness.
14. Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The thief on the cross exemplifies this truth before it was ever written. His confession—“Jesus, remember me”—was not mere desperation; it was a declaration of belief in Christ’s kingship and future resurrection. From the place of death, he spoke faith into eternity. This verse and the thief’s story together demonstrate the essence of salvation: belief and confession from a sincere heart. There was no temple, no priest, no offering—only a dying man whispering faith to a dying Savior, and receiving life everlasting in return.
15. 2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This verse unveils the mystery behind the cross where Jesus stood among criminals. The sinless Son became sin—not by nature, but by substitution. The guilt that belonged to the thieves (and to all humanity) was laid upon Him. In exchange, His righteousness was offered freely. The repentant thief becomes the first visible evidence of this divine exchange: a sinner made righteous not through deeds, but through faith in the crucified Christ. The cross thus becomes both the place of judgment and the birthplace of justification.
16. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
This statement from Paul mirrors the spiritual reality of the penitent thief. Though physically crucified beside Jesus, he experiences a spiritual rebirth through faith. His old self—defined by crime and guilt—dies upon that cross. In its place, a redeemed soul rises in union with Christ. The thief’s transformation demonstrates that to believe in Jesus is to die to the old life, even in the final moments of breath. It is not the length of one’s walk with God that saves, but the authenticity of one’s surrender to Him.
17. Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
No scene in Scripture embodies this truth more clearly than the salvation of the repentant thief. He could perform no good deeds, attend no synagogue, or make any restitution. His hands were nailed, his body broken—but his heart believed. Grace met him at the point of helplessness. Through faith alone, he was carried from a cross to paradise. This verse demolishes every human claim to merit, reminding us that salvation flows not from effort but from the unearned kindness of God.
18. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
As the thief hung dying beside Jesus, his spirit was broken under the weight of his sins. Yet that very brokenness became the door through which salvation entered. The Lord does not despise the contrite heart; He draws near to it. This Psalm reveals the tenderness of God’s mercy—that even at the lowest point of despair, divine nearness can transform a condemned heart into a redeemed one. The thief’s brokenness became his blessing, and his crushed spirit became the soil in which grace bloomed.
19. Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
The thief had no sacrifice to offer but his repentance, and that was enough. His contrition fulfilled this Psalm’s truth: God delights not in rituals but in repentance. The cross becomes the altar where his heart is laid bare, and divine acceptance descends. This verse illustrates that forgiveness is not earned by ritual but by relationship—a humble turning toward God. The thief’s plea, “Remember me,” is the essence of true worship—a cry born from a heart shattered by sin and healed by mercy.
20. Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
This prophetic promise finds its living proof in the repentant thief. His life, stained by crime and guilt, is washed clean in the presence of the Redeemer. Even as blood flows from the cross, another cleansing takes place—the cleansing of a sinner’s soul. Isaiah’s words remind us that God’s mercy is more powerful than the deepest stain of sin. No past is beyond His renewal. The thief entered his final moments crimson with guilt, but departed as white as snow, robed in the righteousness of Christ.
21. Psalm 32:5
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
This Psalm mirrors the confession of the repentant thief. He did not hide or justify his sin but faced it with sincerity, confessing his guilt before God. In that confession, forgiveness rushed in like a tide. The thief’s open admission illustrates that repentance is not about eloquence but honesty. The moment he confessed, his guilt was lifted, and grace was granted.
22. Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
The two thieves embody the two choices presented in this verse—one conceals his sin through pride, while the other confesses and finds mercy. The repentant thief prospered not in earthly terms but in eternal reward. His open confession before Christ unlocked divine mercy. This verse affirms that grace flows where pride ends and confession begins.
23. Psalm 51:1-2
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
The thief’s plea, “Remember me,” echoes this Psalm’s cry for mercy. He sought not escape from physical death but cleansing from sin’s stain. God’s mercy, unfailing and immeasurable, met him in his final breath. This passage reminds us that no life is too stained for cleansing when approached with humility and faith in divine compassion.
24. Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
True repentance is not about outward ritual but inward surrender. The repentant thief had no garment to tear, no offering to bring—only a broken heart. And God, rich in compassion, received him. This verse reminds us that God looks beyond appearances and rituals; He listens for the sound of a heart turning toward Him.
25. Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
The thief called to Jesus in his dying moments—and heaven answered. This verse comes alive at the cross, showing that God’s forgiveness is instant for those who call upon His name. The Lord’s goodness is not conditional on time or circumstance. Even in agony, grace overflows to the soul that calls in faith.
26. Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
The grace of God appeared visibly at Calvary. Two thieves saw it firsthand—one rejected it, one received it. Grace does not discriminate; it invites all to salvation. The thief who believed became the first visible fruit of that grace, proving that salvation is not restricted by time, place, or worthiness but is freely offered to every heart that believes.
27. Romans 3:23-24
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Both thieves, like all humanity, had fallen short of God’s glory. Yet one was justified freely through faith in Christ. This passage highlights the impartiality of grace—it does not choose the righteous but redeems the repentant. The cross shows that every sinner stands equally in need of redemption and that justification is a free gift, not a reward.
28. John 1:16-17
“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
The thieves lived under the law that condemned them, but at the cross, grace stood beside them. The law declared guilt; Christ declared mercy. The repentant thief stepped from condemnation into communion because he encountered grace and truth in person. This verse reveals the beautiful transition from law to grace—an exchange that defines the Gospel.
29. 1 Timothy 1:15
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
Paul’s confession aligns with the thief’s realization: both recognized the depth of their sin and the greatness of Christ’s mercy. The thief believed that Jesus came to save sinners like him—and that belief ushered him into paradise. This verse reminds us that Christ’s mission was never about condemning the guilty but saving the repentant.
30. Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
At Calvary, this verse is fulfilled perfectly. The God who delights in mercy stands crucified between sinners. He is not angry but forgiving, not condemning but saving. The thief’s pardon demonstrates that divine joy is found not in wrath but in redemption. Mercy is not God’s reluctant duty—it is His delight.
31. John 14:2-3
“My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Jesus’ promise of paradise to the thief fulfills this assurance. Even as He hangs dying, He opens the doors of heaven for a repentant soul. This verse proves that Christ’s kingdom is not distant—it is present, personal, and prepared for all who believe. The thief, once condemned, became a citizen of glory through one act of faith.
32. Revelation 2:7
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
The repentant thief became victorious not by strength but by surrender. Though crucified, his faith triumphed over death. This promise of paradise and eternal fellowship with God was granted instantly. His story reminds us that victory in God’s eyes is not measured by survival, but by surrender and faith in Christ’s finished work.
33. Philippians 1:21
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The thief experienced the full truth of this verse. His earthly life ended in agony, but his death became his gain. In dying beside Christ, he entered into eternal life. This verse reveals the paradox of the Gospel: those who lose everything for Christ gain everything that matters. The thief lost the world but gained heaven.
34. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
The thief’s final hours were filled with pain and humiliation, but his eternity was filled with peace. This promise finds its fulfillment in his story—his tears were wiped away the moment he entered paradise. The cross reminds us that pain may be temporary, but God’s promise of restoration is eternal.
35. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Jesus’ words, “You will be with me in paradise,” echo this eternal promise. Salvation is not merely an escape from hell—it is the beginning of eternal fellowship with Christ. The repentant thief was assured of what every believer longs for: to be forever with the Lord. Eternity is not defined by time, but by presence—being with Him.
36. John 12:32
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
At Calvary, this prophecy unfolds. The two thieves represent the entire world—one drawn in repentance, one resisting in pride. Both are equally close to the Savior, yet only one yields to grace. The cross draws all, but only faith accepts the invitation. Christ’s love is universal, but salvation is personal.
37. Matthew 27:54
“Surely he was the Son of God!”
As the earth shook and darkness fell, even the Roman centurion recognized Jesus’ divinity. The thief had seen it earlier, through faith. Together they confirm that Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is undeniable, even in death. This confession at the cross becomes the cornerstone of salvation: belief that Jesus is truly the Son of God.
38. Hebrews 9:27-28
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.”
The thieves faced death, but one also faced redemption through faith in Christ’s sacrifice. This verse underscores the urgency of salvation—each life has one chance, one judgment, one Savior. Christ’s single sacrifice was sufficient for both thieves, but only one received it. The cross teaches that grace must be embraced while there is still breath.
39. John 19:30
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’”
These words sealed the thief’s salvation. Nothing more needed to be done, no additional sacrifice required. The debt was fully paid. “It is finished” means redemption is complete and grace is accessible to all. For the thief, these were the words that turned his condemnation into eternal freedom. Salvation is finished, not earned.
40. Luke 24:6-7
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
The thief believed in a dying King, but awoke in the presence of a risen Lord. The resurrection vindicates his faith and validates Jesus’ promise. The story of the two thieves doesn’t end in death—it culminates in victory. The risen Christ is the eternal assurance that every promise spoken from the cross stands forever true.
Conclusion
One of the Bible’s most potent depictions of grace and redemption is found in the tale of the two robbers who were executed with Jesus. We see both unbelief and faith, rejection and repentance, under the shadow of the Cross. While the other thief turned toward the Savior and discovered eternal life, the first thief turned away. This instance demonstrates that salvation is always determined by the heart’s reaction to Jesus rather than by merit or timing. Grace demonstrated that God’s mercy is limitless by reaching over the gap of sin to save a contrite soul even at the last minute.
Christ’s interaction with the repentant thief serves as a reminder to all believers that it is never too late to turn back to God. For everyone who believes, the Cross represents forgiveness regardless of prior transgressions or shortcomings. We are called into the same prospect of eternal life via Christ’s sacrifice, just as the thief was promised paradise through faith. In addition to teaching us about mercy and judgment, the tale of the two thieves serves as a reminder that grace is still available to us today through the open hand of the Cross.
