Luke 23:34 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Father, forgive them;— This is one of the most striking passages in the world. While they were actually crucifying our Lord, he seems to feel the injury which they did to their own souls, more than what they did to him, and to forget his own anguish in a concern for their salvation. Thus did the Lord Jesus Christ, though expiring by the tortures that he felt, give us an example of that benevolence which he has commanded us to practise; and with his last breath, as it were, breathed out at once a prayer and an apology for his executioners. The Roman soldiers, who were the immediateinstruments of his death, had indeed but little knowledge of him; and the Jews, who were the authors of it, through their obstinate prejudices, apprehended not who he was: for if they had known him, they would not have crucified the Lord of life and glory. Instead of, They know not what they do, some read, They know not what they are doing.