Luke 23:34 (WEB)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
Catechism · 3
In the Fullness of Time
“…but yours."), but even in his last words on the Cross, where prayer and the gift of self are but one: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do",” — Catechism footnote: Lk 23:34.
In the Age of the Church
“In intercession, he who prays looks "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm.” — Catechism footnote: Phil 2:4; cf. Acts 7:60; Lk 23:28,34.
Jesus Died Crucified
“Jesus himself, in forgiving them on the cross, and Peter in following suit, both accept "the ignorance" of the Jews of Jerusalem and even of their leaders.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Lk 23:34; Acts 3:17.
Fathers and councils · 64
Irenaeus of Lyons
“And from this fact, that He exclaimed upon the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” the long-suffering, patience, compassion, and goodness of Christ are exhibited, since He both suffered, and did Himself exculpate those who had maltreated Him.” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
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Jerome
“And, again,“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit,” and“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: S. Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“After the buffeting, the cross, the scourge, the blasphemies, at the very last He prayed for His crucifiers, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
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Catena Aurea on John
- Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on John
“(Luke 23:34) In parting His garments they came to the tunic, for which they cast lots.” — the author cites it
Read the whole comment - Gregory the GreatCatena Aurea on John
“(Luke 23:34) Of which love the consummation is given in the next words: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — the author cites it
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Eusebius of Caesarea
“And they began to stone him, for he was not killed by the fall; but he turned and knelt down and said, ‘I entreat thee, Lord God our Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
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Augustine of Hippo
“…by reason of those whom He had been about to lead forth from darkness into light, He said unto the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do;” yet by reason of those whom through more hidden causes He had been about to desert, by the Prophet so long before foretold, “They gave Me gall for My meat, and…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34
Read the whole comment“He wishes them well; and it is His voice, who said from the Cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“He was first “led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, even so opened not His mouth;” meek to that degree, that while hanging on the Cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Christ on the sea was walking fearless, from whose heart there could not by any means be taken away the love of an enemy, who hanging on the Cross did say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“And from the Cross when He was saying, “I thirst,” He was seeking the faith of them for whom He had said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“To persons saying such things the Martyr replieth and saith, thou hast set before me the Lord, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do:” understand thou my voice also, in order that it may be thine too: for what have I said concerning mine enemies?” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Because hanging on the Cross He said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Lastly, the very thing said by our Saviour on the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” is expressed in this Psalm below, “I am counted as one of them that go down into the pit” (ver. 4): by them who knew not what they were doing, when they…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Our Lord Himself returneth good for evil, who “justifieth the ungodly;” and who, when hanging upon the Cross, said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“And the people stood beholding.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34, 35.
Read the whole comment“For so loved He who, hanging on the cross, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“This the Lord exhibited in Himself, who died for all, praying for them by whom He was crucified, and saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Or say if the Lord Himself in the flesh did that? if, being buffeted, He willed to be avenged? if, hanging on the cross, He did not say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”?” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Mark how He Himself loved, i.e. because He would not that they should be still the persecutors they were, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Wherefore, on the one hand, the Lord on the cross said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” since they had not yet, by being made partakers of the grace of the Holy Spirit, entered into the fellowship of holy brotherhood; and blessed Stephen in the…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment““Blessed are the peace-makers;” imitate Him, Who said on behalf of His persecutors, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34
Read the whole comment“And on this account our Lord also on the cross says, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do:” for, not yet having become partakers of the grace of the Holy Spirit, they had not yet entered the fellowship of the holy brotherhood.” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“…they say of the malefactors who were crucified with our Lord; for both he who got pardon, got it after he was crucified, and the other did not get it at all?” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 33–43.
Read the whole comment“Surely the Church of God which had learnt instruction from her Lord, who said as He hung upon the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” so prayed for Paul (or rather as yet Saul), that that might be wrought in him which was wrought.” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Hast thou forgotten, that when He was being crucified, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“For to them He exhibited His Presence, for them in the midst of their violence against Him He prayed as He was being crucified, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“…Physician, who had known the frenzy by which they had become infatuated, He said at once to the Father, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Yet many of them when their fury was calmed, their frenzy as it were got under, came to know God, and Christ.” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Turn thy thoughts to the Bridegroom Himself hanging upon the Cross for thee, and praying to His Father for His enemies; “Father,” saith He, “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“And yet He who as though without beauty bare with you, all Beauteous as He was, prayed for you; “Father,” saith He, “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“What is this but that He puts Himself for the Jews, of whose nation He was, who were troubled with great anger and crucified Christ, when He, mindful of mercy, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“For his Master, upon whom the dove descended, had done the same thing before him; who, while hanging on the cross, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“He saw some who were His own among many who were aliens; for these He sought pardon, from whom at the time He was still receiving injury.” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Whether, then, it be that He said, “I judge not any man,” because He had come not to judge the world, but to save the world; or, that, as I have mentioned, when…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“And it is of that ignorance of theirs also that the apostle says, “I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge:” for he then…” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“Luke: “And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
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John Cassian
- John Cassian, Conferences I–X IX.17Conference IX
“It is intercession when He says: “Father, those Whom Thou hast given me, I will that they also may be with Me that they may see My glory which Thou hast given Me;” or at any rate when He says: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Ib. 24; S. Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment - John Cassian, Conferences XI–XVII XI.10Conference XI
“When then any one has acquired this love of goodness of which we have been speaking, and the imitation of God, then he will be endowed with the Lord’s heart of compassion, and will pray also for his persecutors, saying in like manner: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: S. Luke xxiii. 34.
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Theodoret of Cyrus
“Thus he imitated his own Lord, who of them that crucified Him said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34
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Ambrose of Milan
“For example, in the twenty-first psalm you have read: “Fat bulls (of Bashan) have beset me,” and again: “They parted My garments among them.”” — editor's note: Ps. xxii. 19. Cf. S. Matt. xxvii. 35; S. Mark xv. 24; S. Luke xxiii. 34; S. John xix. 23–24.
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John Chrysostom
“Hearest thou not Him on the cross, saying, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do?”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“For even to His Father He speaks for them, saying, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“…than miracles to gain them over), forewarning them of countless things in the judgment hall; on the very cross crying aloud, “Father, forgive them their sin.”” — editor's note: Luke xxiii. 34. [Freely cited.]
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Catena Aurea on Matthew
- JeromeCatena Aurea on Matthew
“Such was the temper of David towards Saul and Absalom; the Martyr Stephen also prayed for his enemies while they stoned him, and Paul wished himself anathema for the sake of his persecutors. [Rom 9:3] Jesus both taught and did the same, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34]” — the author cites it
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Leo the Great
“…of the Lord’s loving-kindness, who, when nailed to the wood of the cross prayed for His persecutors, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: S. Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“…while hanging there nailed to the wood, He entreated the Father’s mercy for His murderers, and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: S. Luke xxiii. 34.
Read the whole comment“And yet so great was His loving compassion for even His murderers, that He prayed to the Father on the cross, and begged not for His own vengeance but for their forgiveness, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” — editor's note: S. Luke xxiii. 34.
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Hilary of Poitiers
“…Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise, and between Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit, and Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do; and their narrow minds, unable to grasp the Divine meaning, plunge into blasphemy in the attempt at explanation.” — editor's note: Ib. 34.
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Catena Aurea on Luke
- John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Luke
Because the Lord had said, Pray for them that persecute you, (Matt. 5:44.) this likewise He did, when He ascended the cross, as it follows, Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, not that He was not able Himself to…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
Nor must we imagine here that He prayed in vain, but that in those who believed after His passion He obtained the fruit of His prayers? It must be remarked, however, that He prayed not for those who chose rather to…
Read the whole comment - A Greek expositorCatena Aurea on Luke
But for those who after the crucifixion remain in unbelief, no one can suppose that they are excused by ignorance, because of the notable miracles that with a loud voice proclaimed Him to be the Son of God.
Read the whole comment - Ambrose of MilanCatena Aurea on Luke
It is important then to consider, in what condition He ascends the cross; for I see Him naked. Let him then who prepares to overcome the world, so ascend that he seek not the appliances of the world. Now Adam was…
Read the whole comment - Athanasius of AlexandriaCatena Aurea on Luke
He also who for our sakes took upon Him all our conditions, put on our garments, the signs of Adam’s death, that He might put them off, and in their stead clothe us with life and incorruption. It follows, And they…
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on Luke
For perhaps many of them were in want. Or perhaps rather they did this as a reproach, and from a kind of wantonness. For what treasure did they find in His garments?
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
But in the lot the grace of God seems to be commended; for when the lot is cast, we yield not to the merits of any person, but to the secret judgment of God.
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on Luke
This matter indeed was briefly related by the three first Evangelists, but John more distinctly explains how it was done.
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on Luke
They did it then mockingly. For when the rulers scoffed, what can we say of the crowd? for it follows, And the people stood, who in truth had entreated that He should be crucified, waiting, namely, for the end. And…
Read the whole comment - Augustine of HippoCatena Aurea on Luke
Having mentioned the rulers, and said nothing of the priests, St. Luke comprehended under a general name all the chief men, so that hereby may be understood both the scribes and the elders.
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
And these also unwillingly confess that He saved others, for it follows, Saying, He saved others, let him save himself, &c.
Read the whole comment - Athanasius of AlexandriaCatena Aurea on Luke
Now our Lord being truly the Saviour, wished not by saving Himself, but by saving His creatures, to be acknowledged the Saviour. For neither is a physician by healing himself known to be a physician, unless he also…
Read the whole comment - A Greek expositorCatena Aurea on Luke
Now the Devil, seeing that there was no protection for him, was at a loss, and as having no other resource, tried at last to offer Him vinegar to drink. But he knew not that he was doing this against himself; for the…
Read the whole comment - Theophylact of OhridCatena Aurea on Luke
But the soldiers offered Christ vinegar, as it were ministering unto a king, for it follows, saying, If thou art the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
And it is worthy of remark, that the Jews blaspheme and mock the name of Christ, which was delivered to them by the authority of Scripture; whereas the soldiers, as being ignorant of the Scriptures, insult not Christ…
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Cross-references · 68
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.
Cited together in Conferences I–X IX.17.
Cited together in Conferences I–X IX.17.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 19:23–24 (2) (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 19:23–24 (2) (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.
Cited together in Catechism §2605.
Cited together in Catechism §2605.
Cited together in Catechism §2635.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Jerome on Matthew 5:43–48 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Letters Letter 158.
Cited together in Letters Letter 158.
Cited together in Letters Letter 158.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Conferences XI–XVII XI.10.
Cited together in Catechism §2635.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 19:23–24 (2) (Catena Aurea) and 1 other place.
Cited together in Letters Letter 158.
Cited together in Letters Letter 50.
Cited together in Letters Letter 158.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Ecclesiastical History V.4.
Cited together in Ecclesiastical History V.4.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Catechism §2605 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Letters Letter 50.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen Chapter 9.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 30.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.
Cited together in A Greek expositor on Luke 23:34–37 (2) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Conferences XI–XVII XI.10.
Cited together in Conferences XI–XVII XI.10.
Cited together in Conferences XI–XVII XI.10.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Letters Letter 50 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Letters Letter 50.
Cited together in Letters Letter 50.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Jerome on Matthew 5:43–48 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Jerome on Matthew 5:43–48 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Jerome on Matthew 5:43–48 (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Letters Letter 50.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 13.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 13.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.
Cited together in Tractates on the Gospel of John Tractate 118.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62 and 1 other place.
Cited together in Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 30.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Tractates on the Gospel of John Tractate 118.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 62.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 19:23–24 (2) (Catena Aurea) and 2 other places.
Cited together in Harmony of the Gospels III.13.
Cited together in Sermons Sermon 55.
Cited together in Church History II.23.
Cited together in Augustine of Hippo on John 19:23–24 (2) (Catena Aurea) and 2 other places.
Cited together in Catechism §2605.
Cited together in Catechism §2605.
Cited together in Catechism §2605.