The answer is: 3 hours

Luke 23:44

That three hours of darkness at the time of Jesus' crucifixion is not just an eerie background detail; it carries profound meaning. In Luke 23:44, we read that the sun’s light failed as He hung on the cross—an event indicating that something cosmic was happening. This moment doesn’t just symbolize despair but signifies a shift in the spiritual universe, poising the moment for both the death and the resurrection narrative.

Concepts of darkness often appear in the Bible to indicate judgment, mourning, or divine intervention. For instance, during the exodus narrative of Exodus 10, darkness enveloped Egypt—a sign that God was exercising His power against oppression. The parallels are unmistakable; during those three hours, it was as if creation itself was mourning the crucifixion of Christ.

Beyond the text, it’s interesting to note that ancient records from other cultures also speak of darkness or unusual cosmic events around critical figures or moments. This ties in with a broader pattern in literature of nature responding to injustice or pivotal occurrences in time. The mystery **of those three hours invites inquiry into the depths of despair, but it is also a reminder of the hope that radiated silence follows.

Ultimately, it’s worth remembering this diluted light only set the stage for what was to follow—Jesus' resurrection, illuminating the shadows of death like no other event in history.