Paradise and Forgiveness in Luke 23
In Luke 23 Jesus says "today you will be with me in Paradise." Paradise is capitalized as if referring to a place. In my research so far, I am finding reference to it meaning "God's garden", the Garden of Eden, an intermediate place that isn't heaven but where those who die in faith go, and there is also reference to Paradise in reference to Heaven. Which is it?
Also, that statement by Jesus and the earlier statement, "Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing," stand out to me as key. Can you discuss, please?