Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:64

What does Matthew 27:64 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:64 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:64 means

They ask Pilate to command the tomb be made secure until the third day, fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim resurrection, ‘the last error will be worse than the first.’ Their argument reveals cynicism and manipulation: they prefer to prevent a possible deception rather than consider the possibility of actual resurrection. The request to guard the tomb shows their persistent unbelief and willingness to engage Roman power to maintain their narrative, exposing the lengths they will go to suppress what they deem dangerous.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Command 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Command 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Give orders, then, that the place where his body is may be made safe till the third day, for fear that his disciples come and take him away secretly and say to the people, He has come back from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

command, then, the sepulchre to be made secure till the third day, lest his disciples, having come by night, may steal him away, and may say to the people, He rose from the dead, and the last deceit shall be worse than the first.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Command therefore the sepulchre to be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps his disciples come and steal him away and say to the people: He is risen from the dead. And the last error shall be worse than the first.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Command therefore that the sepulchre be secured until the third day, lest his disciples should come and steal him away, and say to the people, He is risen from the dead; and the last error shall be worse than the first.

Context

This verse follows their citation of Jesus’ claim (v. 63) and states their petition to Pilate. It explains why the tomb will be sealed and guarded (v. 66). Their motive frames the following Roman response and the theological irony that they try to prevent what God will accomplish openly.

v.63saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again.

v.64This passage

v.65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 28:13

    saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

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