What did Jesus mean when he said to the thief “today you will be with Me in Paradise”

Jesus was crucified between two theives, each represented mankind, one would repent the other did not. One would receive a promise for his repentance the other did not. On the cross And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Lk. 23:43)

“today’- Strong’s Concordance 4594 semeron neuter (as adverb) of a presumed compound of the art. 3588 and 2250; on the (i.e. this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e. at present, hitherto): KJV-- this (to-) day.

Same word used in Matt 6:11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.” And in Luke 2:11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Clearly it means the same day. Meaning this same, or very day. Not only does he say this day, but says he will be WITH Him in PARADISE. And the only way to be there was to die.

The Jews did not let anyone continue to hang on the Sabbath (Passover) they took them down. John 19:31-33 “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.”

Jesus died before the thieves did, but they all died the same day. One of the thieves was promised to be with him, the other was not promised this.

Paradise at this time was still one of the two compartments inside the earth but when Jesus ascended to heaven 50 days after the location of paradise was permanently moved to where he would be.