Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:65

What does Matthew 27:65 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:65 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:65 means

Pilate responds that they have a guard and should secure the tomb as best they can. His reply shifts responsibility back to them while permitting action. Having a guard already suggests Roman resources are available, and his phrase ‘as sure as you can’ implies a perfunctory allowance. Pilate does not deeply engage with theological questions but provides pragmatic permission, continuing his earlier pattern of political expediency rather than moral courage. The decision results in measures that ironically testify to the reality of Jesus’ death and the concern of his enemies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Pilate said to them, You have watchmen; go and make it as safe as you are able.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Pilate said to them, `Ye have a watch, go away, make secure--as ye have known;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Pilate saith to them: You have a guard. Go, guard it as you know.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Pilate said to them, Ye have a watch: go, secure it as well as ye know how.

Context

This verse follows the leaders’ request to secure the tomb (v. 64) and shows Pilate’s practical acquiescence. His response allows the leaders to take steps to prevent alleged deception, leading directly to their guarding and sealing of the tomb (v. 66). The scene underscores human attempts to control outcomes in the face of extraordinary events.

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.

v.65This passage

v.66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 21:30

    There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

  • Psalms 76:10

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.

  • Matthew 27:66

    So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them.

  • Matthew 28:11

    Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass.

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