The answer is: 3 hours

Luke 23:44

When the clouds rolled in and darkness fell over the land as Jesus hung on the cross, it wasn’t just a meteorological event; it was seemingly something right out of a dramatic play. For three hours, the sun hid behind a veil of desolation, coinciding with the moment of Jesus’ deepest agony. This theme of darkness has profound biblical echoes. In Exodus, darkness engulfed Egypt during the ninth plague, symbolizing divine judgment and deep sorrow (Exodus 10:21-23).

Moreover, this wasn't an isolated incident of spiritual and physical darkness in the Bible. Remember the lamentation phases in the Book of Psalms? When David fled from his enemies, he often spoke of his heartfelt cries in “the depths” (Psalm 130), reflecting the profound angst felt by humanity. With Jesus on the cross, rock-bottom emotions became palpable, as even creation itself seemed to mourn him.

Interestingly, such supernatural phenomena didn’t escape the notice of ancient historians. Writers outside the Bible recorded strange occurrences on the day of his crucifixion. Imagine being in that crowd, witnessing with your very own eyes the unsettling skies as the weight of the world seemed to grip people's hearts! This intense official “pause” in the natural order stirs reminders that there is a time for silence, reverence, and, above all, reflection on the depths of love and sacrifice that emerged from such darkness. How cool is it to recognize that such poignant moments in the crucifixion resonate far beyond just a singular event spiritually; they invite continual introspection for us all!