The answer is: False

Luke 23:44 - It was three hours

In the heart of the crucifixion narrative, there are moments that truly illustrate the profound feelings and earth-shattering events. One such moment is the period of darkness that covered the land—a symbol of the weight of loss and despair. While the Gospel of Luke emphasizes that darkness fell from noon until three o'clock for a duration of just three hours (Luke 23:44), we often embellish this story over time, in poetic retellings or passionate sermons, promoting the drama to higher stakes.

Interestingly, the that precise shading of time draws attention to the significance of three itself throughout biblical accounts—it's the same number linked to a variety of key events! For instance, Jesus rose on the third day, proving a pivotal moment for hope and resurrection. Moreover, the "three hours of darkness" echoes back to earlier biblical stories. The plagues in Egypt can easily be recalled, where a few days of darkness settled over the land until Pharaoh let the Israelites go.

From a broader perspective, darkness often takes on multiple meanings within Scripture—fear, judgment, and even the depths of one's soul. These three hours in darkness don't just symbolize the death of Jesus but foreshadow a transformative path from despair to enlightenment. Much like dawn following a dark night, this darkness could be a precursor to understanding his message of love and redemption—encouraging curiosity and reflection of our own journeys through challenging times toward understanding.