Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:63

What does Matthew 27:63 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:63 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:63 means

They remind Pilate that Jesus, when alive, had said, ‘After three days I rise again,’ calling him a deceiver and expressing concern. This reference shows their awareness of Jesus’ claim to resurrection and their eagerness to counter it. Labeling him a deceiver exposes their hostility and desire to control public opinion. Their motive is to prevent the disciples from claiming Jesus rose and so inciting people. This verse reveals their continued attempt to suppress Jesus’ influence even in death.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Saying, Sir, we have in mind how that false man said, while he was still living, After three days I will come again from the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `Sir, we have remembered that that deceiver said while yet living, After three days I do rise;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: Sir, we have remembered, that that seducer said, while he was yet alive: After three days I will rise again.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

saying, Sir, we have called to mind that that deceiver said when he was still alive, After three days I arise.

Context

This verse is part of the leaders’ approach to Pilate (v. 62) and cites Jesus’ prediction to justify their request. It heightens the tension between Jesus’ prophetic word and the leaders’ fear of its consequences, leading to their request to secure the tomb (v. 64).

v.62Now on the morrow, which is the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together unto Pilate,

v.63This passage

v.64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest haply his disciples come and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 20:19

    and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.

  • Luke 9:22

    saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

  • Matthew 16:21

    From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

  • Matthew 17:23

    and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were exceeding sorry.

  • John 7:47

    The Pharisees therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray?

  • John 7:12

    And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.

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