Jesus was resurrected, not on the day that he died, but on the third day after his death, so it is evident that the criminal could not be with Jesus in Paradise on the same day that Jesus spoke to him.

For example, Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries C.E., wrote regarding Lu 23:43: “Some indeed read in this manner: ‘Truly I tell you today,’ and put a comma; then they follow: ‘You will be with me in Paradise.’” (Greek text found in Patrologiae Graecae, Vol. 93, col. 1432-1433.)

paradise: The Greek word pa·raʹdei·sos occurs three times in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Lu 23:43, see study note; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7)

The word “paradise” can mean various things in this context. (See study note on 2Co 12:2.)

He will also prove to be “the life” for millions who will be resurrected with the prospect of living in Paradise forever.​—Joh 5:28, 29.

Jesus promises: “You will be with me in Paradise” (23:43)

At the place called Skull (Golgotha), Jesus says to the criminal: “You will be with me in Paradise” (Lu 23:33, 42, 43)

The Christian faith includes the hope for some humans to go to heaven (Heb 3:1), but this verse indicates that God’s original purpose of a paradise earth remains in place.​—Compare Lu 23:43 and study note.

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Paradise restored (1-7)

In another sense, those of his mild-tempered disciples who would be his earthly subjects would “inherit,” not the ownership of the earth, but the privilege of enjoying life in Paradise, the earthly realm of the Kingdom.​—See study note on Mt 25:34.

The second stage is to gather together the things on the earth, that is, those who are to live in an earthly paradise as subjects of the heavenly government.​—Joh 10:16; Re 7:9, 10; 21:3, 4.

Evidently referring to perfect dwelling places in the everlasting new world, whether this be in the heavenly Kingdom with Jesus Christ or on the Paradise earth under that Kingdom’s rule.

He described their restored land as a paradise! (Isa 65:25; Eze 34:25; 36:35)

Vision of the third heaven and paradise (12:1-7a)