Matthew 27 54

Matthew 27:54 kjv

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Matthew 27:54 nkjv

So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:54 niv

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:54 esv

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:54 nlt

The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 54 Meaning

Matthew 27:54 describes the profound reaction of the Roman centurion and the soldiers guarding Jesus immediately after His death. Witnessing the supernatural events, specifically the intense earthquake and its effects (which include the tearing of the temple veil and the opening of tombs described in previous verses), they were overcome with great terror. This overwhelming fear led them to a startling confession, declaring that Jesus was "Truly this was the Son of God!" This verse highlights the divine confirmation of Jesus' identity through creation's response, leading pagan soldiers to acknowledge Him as God's unique Son.

Matthew 27 54 Context

Matthew 27:54 occurs immediately following Jesus' death on the cross and directly after a series of astounding supernatural events. These include a three-hour darkness over the land (Mt 27:45), the tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom, a violent earthquake that split rocks, and the opening of tombs leading to the resurrection of many saints (Mt 27:51-53). The centurion and his soldiers were direct witnesses to all these events. They had also observed Jesus' demeanor during His crucifixion, including His final cries. This confluence of Jesus' conduct and cosmic signs provided undeniable evidence of His unique identity, shattering their Roman-pagan worldview and prompting their unprecedented confession.

Matthew 27 54 Word analysis

• Now when the centurion:
  • centurion (κεντυρίων, kenturiōn): A Roman military officer in charge of a centuria, typically 100 soldiers. Centurions were career soldiers, known for their discipline, courage, and professionalism. Their presence at executions was standard procedure to ensure death. For such a man, hardened by military life, to express "great terror" and a profound religious conviction is highly significant, indicating the extraordinary nature of what he witnessed. It suggests that even the staunchest pagan and symbol of Roman authority could be moved by the divine power displayed.
• and those with him:
  • Refers to the soldiers under the centurion's command, involved in guarding Jesus during the crucifixion. Their shared experience of terror and confession emphasizes the widespread impact of the events, not just one man's perception.
• who were guarding Jesus:
  • This clarifies their direct involvement and proximity to the crucifixion site, ensuring they were primary eyewitnesses to every detail, from Jesus' suffering to the cosmic phenomena.
• saw the earthquake:
  • earthquake (σεισμός, seismos): Literally "a shaking," encompassing tremors of the ground. In biblical narratives, earthquakes often accompany divine manifestations, judgment, or significant cosmic events (Ex 19:18 at Sinai; Ezek 38:19-20). This was not a natural tremor but a supernatural one, directly linked to Jesus' death.
• and what had taken place:
  • what had taken place (τὰ γενόμενα, ta genomena): Refers broadly to the preceding supernatural phenomena—the midday darkness, the tearing of the temple veil (Mt 27:51), and the subsequent splitting of rocks and opening of tombs (Mt 27:51-53). This implies a cumulative impact of these signs upon the soldiers, not just the earthquake alone.
• they were greatly terrified:
  • greatly terrified (ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα, ephobēthēsan sphodra): "They were exceedingly frightened" or "feared intensely." Phobeō signifies fear, dread, reverence; sphodra emphasizes "very much," "exceedingly." This was not just awe or respect, but profound, unsettling terror. Such a reaction from seasoned soldiers highlights the unprecedented and supernatural nature of the events. It reflects a deep awareness of divine power and perhaps divine wrath, rather than simple fright.
• and said:
• 'Truly this was the Son of God!':
  • Truly (ἀληθῶς, alēthōs): "Verily," "certainly," "in truth." This adverb underscores the sincerity and conviction of their declaration. It's not a speculative guess but an emphatic statement based on undeniable evidence.
  • this was the Son of God (Θεοῦ υἱὸς ἦν οὗτος, Theou huios ēn houtos): This phrase holds profound theological weight.
    • For a Roman, "son of god" (divi filius) could refer to emperors or deified heroes. However, to apply it to a crucified Jewish man, especially with "truly" and profound terror, points beyond pagan polytheism or a simple acknowledgment of a righteous man (as Luke's account might suggest, though not contradicting Matthew).
    • In Matthew's Gospel, "Son of God" consistently points to Jesus' unique divine relationship with God the Father and His messianic identity. The centurion's confession, therefore, signifies a supernatural realization—a recognition of Jesus' true divine nature and supreme authority demonstrated through the cosmic signs accompanying His death. It stands in stark contrast to the mockery of the Jewish leaders and marks the first confession of Jesus' divine Sonship by a Gentile in Matthew's narrative, coming precisely at the moment of His death.

Matthew 27 54 Bonus section

• Literary Significance: The centurion's confession functions as a dramatic irony and a thematic climax. While Jewish leaders condemned Jesus for claiming to be the Son of God, a Gentile soldier, standing at the foot of the cross, is supernaturally convinced of this very truth. It reverses expectations and validates Jesus' claim through a powerful external, non-Jewish witness.
• Contrast to Roman Ideology: The declaration of "Son of God" for a crucified Jewish man was profoundly counter-cultural to the Roman system, which reserved such titles for emperors and gods. The centurion's statement implies a spiritual authority far beyond any Roman construct.
• God's Sovereignty in Death: The divine intervention at the moment of Jesus' death—the darkness, earthquake, and torn veil—serves as cosmic punctuation, signifying that Jesus' death was not a defeat but a powerful, purposeful act of God. Even nature responds to the passing of its Creator.
• Gentile Inclusion: This confession by a centurion foreshadows the mission to the Gentiles that becomes prominent after Pentecost. It shows God preparing hearts outside the traditional Jewish framework to recognize Jesus as Messiah and Lord. The inclusion of this detail by Matthew, writing to a predominantly Jewish Christian audience, underscores the universality of the Gospel and Jesus' authority over all nations.

Matthew 27 54 Commentary

Matthew 27:54 marks a pivotal moment where divine truth is recognized by unexpected individuals: Roman soldiers. After witnessing a cascade of supernatural events – the prolonged darkness, the tearing of the temple veil, and a powerful earthquake that split rocks – these hardened pagans are overcome with profound fear. This terror, unlike mere fright, suggests an encounter with the divine. Their exclamation, "Truly this was the Son of God!", is not a casual remark but a solemn, emphatic confession prompted by undeniable evidence of God's power acting through Jesus' death. It stands as a testament against the rejection and mockery of the religious establishment, indicating that even amidst ultimate humiliation, God affirmed His Son's identity. This confession by Gentiles foreshadows the worldwide reach of the Gospel, showing that divine truth can penetrate the most hardened hearts and backgrounds.