Matthew 27 65

Matthew 27:65 kjv

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

Matthew 27:65 nkjv

Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how."

Matthew 27:65 niv

"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how."

Matthew 27:65 esv

Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can."

Matthew 27:65 nlt

Pilate replied, "Take guards and secure it the best you can."

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 65 Meaning

This verse records Pontius Pilate's direct response to the request of the chief priests and Pharisees to secure Jesus' tomb. He grants them permission and responsibility, instructing them to utilize the guard already at their disposal or to secure one, and to make the tomb as safe and unassailable as they deem possible. This signifies the transfer of agency from Roman authority directly to the Jewish religious leaders for the tomb's security, unknowingly setting the stage for the definitive proof of Christ's resurrection.

Matthew 27 65 Context

This verse occurs on the "next day, that is, after the day of Preparation" (Mt 27:62), the Sabbath following Jesus' crucifixion. The chief priests and Pharisees approach Pilate, driven by their deep-seated animosity toward Jesus and a specific memory: Jesus' prophecy that "After three days I will rise" (Mt 27:63). They fear that Jesus' disciples might steal His body and then claim He has risen, which they believe would be an even worse "deception" than Jesus' ministry itself. They desire to secure the tomb until the third day, demonstrating their intense opposition and their misguided belief that they could control divine events. Pilate, likely weary of the Jewish leaders and their demands, and having just washed his hands of Jesus' crucifixion (Mt 27:24), here grants their request, transferring the responsibility of security to them. This action, intended to prevent a resurrection, ironically serves to validate it by making a conspiracy impossible, thus providing incontrovertible evidence of Christ's triumph.

Matthew 27 65 Word analysis

• Pilate (Πιλᾶτος - Pilatos): The Roman prefect or governor of Judea (26–36 AD). His response here demonstrates a practical and somewhat detached attitude. He seeks to resolve the persistent appeals of the Jewish leaders without incurring further personal responsibility or significant Roman resource expenditure. Historically, Pilate was known for being an authoritarian ruler but also one who often sought to avoid unnecessary conflict with the local Jewish population, especially when Jerusalem was bustling for Passover.
• said (εἶπεν - eipen): A simple, direct past tense verb. Indicates a decisive utterance or command, immediately giving his authorization.
• to them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers explicitly to "the chief priests and the Pharisees" mentioned in the preceding verses. This group represents the dominant religious and political authority among the Jewish people, distinct from the common populace. Their interaction with Pilate highlights the Jewish leadership's initiative in persecuting Jesus even beyond His death.
• You have (ἔχετε - exete): A present indicative, but functioning here as an imperative ("Take/Use"). It implies that the necessary resources are already at their disposal. This phrase can be understood as Pilate telling them, "You have the means (i.e., your temple guards, or access to Roman guards already under your control via agreement/payment), now go and use them."
• a guard (κουστωδίαν - koustōdian): Derived from the Latin custodia. This refers to a military detachment, likely Roman soldiers. It signifies an official, disciplined, and capable force, not just a few informal watchmen. Its use underscores the gravity and official nature of the security measure taken against a perceived threat.
• go (ὑπάγετε - hypagete): A present imperative verb, meaning "go away" or "proceed." It’s a direct command, telling them to execute the task themselves rather than asking him to deploy a guard directly. This further distances Pilate from the matter, placing the burden of action on them.
• make it (ἀσφαλίσασθε - asphalisasthe): A middle imperative, meaning "make secure for yourselves" or "secure it yourselves." The middle voice implies they are acting for their own benefit or according to their own will. This highlights that the security of the tomb is their concern and responsibility. It carries the weight of a professional, thorough safeguarding.
• as secure (ὡς - hōs)... as you can (δύνασθε - dynasthe): The Greek construction ὡς ... δύνασθε conveys "as best as you can" or "as much as you are able." Pilate gives them full discretionary power to apply whatever security measures they deem necessary and effective. This effectively places the entire burden and methodology of security on the religious leaders, ensuring that any subsequent failure cannot be attributed to a lack of permission or resources from the Roman governor. This command ultimately becomes part of the strong evidence for the resurrection, as the grave was "as secure as they could make it," yet it could not hold Jesus.

Matthew 27 65 Bonus section

The historical use of the Latin term custodia for "guard" in Matthew, which was written in Greek, suggests the linguistic blend in Judea during the Roman occupation. This demonstrates the historical realism and accuracy of the biblical narrative in depicting the context of Roman rule. The very specific command for the religious leaders to secure the tomb themselves (through their authority over Roman guards or by deploying their own temple guards in agreement with Roman oversight) emphasizes their deep-seated fear and determination. This level of preventative action also shows their fundamental unbelief in Jesus's prophecies while inadvertently magnifying the miracle when the tomb is indeed found empty. It ensures that the resurrection would not be an easily dismissed claim but one that defied all human safeguards.

Matthew 27 65 Commentary

Matthew 27:65 reveals Pilate's practical yet ultimately cynical disposition, acquiescing to the Jewish leaders' demand for a guard to secure Jesus' tomb. His instruction, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you can," is a pivotal moment, as it grants the very adversaries of Christ the full authority to implement stringent measures against a perceived deception. Unwittingly, Pilate empowers them to create the perfect setting for proving the authenticity of the resurrection. Their meticulous sealing of the tomb and posting of a professional guard, detailed in the following verse, ensures that no claim of disciples stealing the body can plausibly stand. The futility of human efforts, however meticulous or authoritative, against God's predetermined plan of resurrection is starkly highlighted. This verse sets the stage for God's ultimate triumph, making the subsequent discovery of an empty tomb an undeniable sign of divine power, turning human suspicion and attempts at control into the very evidence of truth.