# Is “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” in the Bible?

> Yes. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” is in the Bible, at Luke 23:34.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/father-forgive-them
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

Jesus says it from the cross, about the people crucifying him.

## The verse

> Jesus kept saying, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots for them.
>
> — [Luke 23:34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/23#34) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

He prays for his executioners while they divide up his clothes. Some early manuscripts of Luke do not have the sentence.

## Common questions

### Is “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” in the Bible?

Yes. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” is in the Bible, at Luke 23:34. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. Jesus says it from the cross, about the people crucifying him.

### Where in the Bible is “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”?

In Luke 23:34. In the Lumin Translation, Luke 23:34 reads: “Jesus kept saying, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots for them.”

### Who said “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”?

Jesus says it from the cross, about the people crucifying him.

### What does “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” mean in the Bible?

He prays for his executioners while they divide up his clothes. Some early manuscripts of Luke do not have the sentence.

## More

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- [Is “Love is patient, love is kind” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/love-is-patient-love-is-kind.md)
- [Is “My cup runneth over” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/my-cup-runneth-over.md)
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- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)