Luke 23:48

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And after the crowds that had gathered to witness this sight saw what had happened they left, beating their chests [i.e., as an expression of anguish over witnessing Jesus’ death].

Cross References

Luke 18:13

But the tax collector stood at a distance [i.e., inconspicuously] and would not even look up to heaven, but struck his chest [i.e., in remorse], saying, ‘God, [please] have mercy on a sinner like me [i.e., “cover over” or forgive my sins].’

Acts 2:37

Now when the people heard this message [of Peter and the other apostles, See verse 14], they were convicted [of its truth] in their hearts and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do [about our condemned condition]?”

Luke 8:52

And all the people [in the house] were crying and beating their chests in mourning, so Jesus said [to them], “Do not cry, for the girl is not [really] dead but [only] sleeping.”