The answer is: 3 hours

Luke 23:44

In the Gospel of Luke, the three hours of darkness that descended upon the land when Jesus died serves as a significant, silent commentary on the weighty event unfolding. This moment is profoundly symbolic. It reflects not just a physical phenomenon but a spiritual one, marking a cosmic reaction to Jesus' crucifixion. It pulls the reader into a deeper interpretation--a veil shrouding creation as death confronts life.

Interestingly, the three-hour darkness echoes themes found throughout the Bible. For instance, consider the darkness during the ninth plague in Exodus, a chilling moment before liberation, paralleling the darkness before the ultimate act of liberation Jesus embodies. This temporal darkness symbolizes confusion tumbling into fear; it foreshadows not just Jesus' death but the transformative power of resurrection five hundred years later.

Additionally, the number three is significant in biblical literature. It could reminisce about the three days Jesus would spend in the tomb, amplifying the anticipation leading to the victory declared in resurrection.

Trivia lovers might enjoy knowing that the darkness is also acknowledged in other Gospel accounts as the atmosphere shifts around Jesus' death. It underscores a moment of divine silence, reminiscent of the close of the Old Testament, echoing the unfinished business between God and humanity. It's an invitation to reflect: in darkness, can we still learn to find light? Ultimately, this unsettling stillness paves the way for renewed hope and profound spiritual insights.