Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:36

What does Matthew 27:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:36 means

The soldiers sit and keep watch over Jesus at the cross. Their presence enforces the execution’s finality and prevents any interruption. The detail that they sat also suggests a grim, almost casual attitude toward the scene—this is routine for them. Their vigil underscores the public, watched nature of Jesus’ death and the reality that while he suffers, the world proceeds in ordinary cruelty and indifference, unaware or unwilling to see what is happening in spiritual terms.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and they sat and watched him there.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And sitting down they watched him there;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and they sat and watched him there.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they were seated there watching him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and sitting down, they were watching him there,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they sat and watched him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And sitting down, they kept guard over him there.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the soldiers divide his garments (v. 35). It emphasizes the official nature of the crucifixion: it is carried out under guard as part of Roman order. The soldiers’ watch frames the taunting and the inscription placed above Jesus’ head in the next verse (v. 37).

v.35And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;

v.36This passage

v.37And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 27:54

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

  • Mark 15:39

    And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

  • Mark 15:44

    And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

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