Luke 23:27

Luke 23:27, in plain English

A large crowd follows Jesus, including women who are crying and mourning for Him. Not everyone in Jerusalem wanted this to happen.

Why it's here

In the midst of this terrible procession, these women's tears are a reminder that compassion still exists even in the darkest moments.

Who's speaking

Luke captures the humanity of this moment — real people weeping for a real man they've loved and followed.

Where it sits in the story

As Jesus stumbles toward His death, the sound of women weeping fills the streets. They're mourning openly, bravely, in a crowd that includes His executioners. Their tears are a beautiful, heartbreaking act of courage and love.

The scholarly reading

A poly plēthos tou laou (great multitude of the people) follows, including gynaikes (women) who ekoptonto (beat their breasts in mourning) and ethrēnoun (wailed/lamented) for Jesus. These public demonstrations of grief were culturally significant expressions of mourning.

Language and setting

This scene is unique to Luke and reveals that popular sympathy for Jesus still existed even after the crowd's cry for crucifixion. The mourning women represent the people's genuine grief, distinct from the leaders' hostility.

Voice

Luke narrates the procession to Calvary, highlighting the mourning women as a compassionate counterpoint to the hostile crowd.

Significance

Not everyone in Jerusalem wanted Jesus dead. A large crowd follows, and women weep openly for Him. These mourning women represent the remnant of compassion in a city that has just condemned its Savior. Their tears are the first human response that acknowledges the tragedy unfolding.

25As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.

26As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.

27A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.

28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

29Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’

Read all of Luke 23 — Pilate finds no fault. Herod finds entertainment. The crowd demands blood. And on a cross between two criminals, Jesus forgives.