Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 23:48

"And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts." — Luke 23:48 (ASV)

To that sight.—The word is used by St. Luke only in the New Testament, and exactly expresses the purpose of those who had come to gaze on a “spectacle.” These had probably taken little or no part in the insults and taunts of the priests, and now they went away awed, partly by the darkness, partly by the solemn majesty of that awful death.

Smote their breasts, and returned.—Better, returned, smiting their breasts. Both the verb and participle imply continuous action.