Matthew 27:36

← Matthew 27:35 Matthew 27:37 →

Matthew 27:36 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.

King James Version KJV

And sitting down they watched him there;

American Standard Version ASV

and they sat and watched him there.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they were seated there watching him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they sate, and watched him there.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and sitting down, they were watching him there,

World English Bible WEB

and they sat and watched him there.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And sitting down, they watched him there:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they sat and watched him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the soldiers sat down there to guard him, to prevent anyone from trying to rescue him.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 27:36

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 27:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και καθημενοι ετηρουν αυτον εκει

και kai G2532 and Conj

καθημενοι kathēmai G2521 to sit Verb-PNP-NPM

ετηρουν tēreō G5083 to keep: observe Verb-IAI-3P

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

εκει ekei G1563 there Adv

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Matthew 27:36

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

καθημενοι kathēmai G2521 "to sit" Verb-PNP-NPM

The Greek word for to sit, used in Matthew 11:16 and many other places to describe people sitting or being seated. It can also mean to remain or reside in a place, and is often used to describe people gathering or meeting together. This word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe various scenes and settings.

Definition: κάθ-ημαι [in LXX chiefly for יָשַׁב ;] in cl. present and imperfect only (prop. pf. and plpf. of καθέζομαι; cf. Bl., § 24), in LXX and NT fut. also, to sit, be seated: Mat.11:16 22:44" (LXX), Mrk.2:6, Jhn.6:3, Act.2:2, Jas.2:3 (on the vulgar imper. κάθου, see Kennedy, Sources, 162), Rev.4:3, al.; before prep. with accusative, ἐπί, Mat.9:9, Mrk.2:14, Jhn.12:16; παρά, Mat.13:1, Mrk.10:46; περί, Mrk.3:32, 34; πρός, Luk.22:56; ὑπό, Jas.2:3; εἰς, Mrk.13:3; μετά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.26:58; ἐκ δεξιῶν, Mat.22:44; ἐπάνω, with genitive, Mat.28:2; ἀπέναντι, with genitive, Mat.27:61; ἐπί, with dative, Act.3:10; id. with genitive, Act.8:28; ἐκεῖ, Mat.15:29; pleonastic (M, Pr., 230, 241; Dalman, Words, 22), Mat.13:2, Act.23:3, Rev.18:7; metaphorically, Mat.4:16, Luk.1:79" (LXX) ; of one's domicile (Neh.11:6, Sir.50:26; Hdt., v, 63), Luk.21:31, Act.2:2, Rev.14:6 (cf. συν-κάθημαι) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 87 NT verses. KJV: dwell, sit (by, down) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:30; Matthew 15:29; Hebrews 1:13.

ετηρουν tēreō G5083 "to keep: observe" Verb-IAI-3P

This word means to keep or observe something, like watching over it to keep it safe. Jesus uses it in John 17:11-12 to ask God to keep his followers safe. The Bible translates it as 'hold fast' or 'keep'.

Definition: τηρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for שָׁמַר, נָצַר, etc. ;] __1. to watch over, guard, keep, preserve: Mat.27:36, Act.16:23, al.; ἑαυτόν, 2Co.11:9, 1Ti.5:22, Jas.1:27, Ju 21; before εἰς, Jhn.12:7, Act.25:21, 1Pe.1:4, 2Pe.2:4 2:9 3:7, Ju 6; ἐν, Jhn.17:11-12, Ju 21; ἐκ, Jhn.17:15, Rev.3:10; τ. πίστιν, 2Ti.4:7, Rev.14:12; τ. ἑνότητα τ. πνεύματος, Eph.4:3. __2. to watch, give heed to, observe: τ. σάββατον, Jhn.9:16; τ. ἐντολήν (-άς), Mat.19:17, Jhn.14:15 15:10, 1Ti.6:14, 1Jn.2:3-4 Jn 3:22 Jn 3:24 Jn 5:3, Rev.12:17 14:12; τ. λόγον (-ους), Jhn.8:51-52, 55 14:23-24 15:20 17:6, 1Jn.2:5, Rev.3:8, 10 22:7, 9; τ. νόμον, Act.15:5, Jas.2:10; τ. παράδοσιν, Mrk.7:9; τ. ἔργα, Rev.2:26; τ. γεγραμμένα, Rev.1:3 (cf. δια-, παρα-, συν-τηρέω) SYN.: φυλάσσω, implying custody and protection: τ. expresses the idea of watchful care and "may mark the result of which φ. is the means" (Thayer see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 8:55; 1 Peter 1:4.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

εκει ekei G1563 "there" Adv

This word means 'there' or 'to that place', as in Matthew 2:13. It's used to point to a location or direction. In the Bible, it helps describe where events happen.

Definition: ἐκεῖ adv., [in LXX chiefly for שָׁם ;] __1. properly, of place, there: Mat.2:13 5:24, al.; οἱ ἐ., Mat.26:71; οὗ . . . ἐ., Mat.6:21 18:20 24:28, Mrk.6:10, Luk.12:34; pleonastic, ὅπου . . . ἐ. (= שָׁם אֲשֶׁר, Deu.4:5, al.), Rev.12:6, 14 (cf. Bl., § 50, 4). __2. As often in cl. (Hdt., Thuc., al.), with verbs of motion, for ἐκεῖσε, thither: Mat.2:22 17:20 24:28 26:36, Mrk.6:33, Luk.12:18 17:37 21:2, Jhn.11:8 18:2-3, Rom.15:24 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place) See also: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Mark 1:38; Hebrews 7:8.

Study Notes — Matthew 27:36

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 27:36 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 27:36
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 27:36
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 27:36
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 27:36
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 27:36
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 27:36
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 27:36
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 27:36
Sermons on Matthew 27:36

Context — The Crucifixion

34they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it. 35When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.

36And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.

37Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 27:54	When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
2	Mark 15:44	Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.
3	Mark 15:39	When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:36 Summary

In Matthew 27:36, the soldiers sat down to keep watch over Jesus, making sure He didn't escape or get taken down from the cross. This shows us that even in the darkest moments, God is still in control, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says that 'all things work together for good'. The soldiers' actions might seem routine, but they were a part of something much bigger, just like how our everyday tasks can be a part of God's larger plan, as stated in Colossians 3:23-24. By trusting in God's plan, we can find peace and purpose, even in difficult circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the soldiers sit down to keep watch over Jesus?

The soldiers sat down to keep watch over Jesus to ensure that His body was not taken down from the cross, as the Jewish leaders had requested, and also to guard against any potential rescue attempts, as seen in Matthew 27:62-66, where they later ask for a guard to be posted at the tomb.

What is the significance of the soldiers keeping watch over Jesus?

The soldiers keeping watch over Jesus signifies the fulfillment of Psalm 22:17, where it is written that 'they pierced my hands and feet' and 'they stare and gloat over me', demonstrating that even in His crucifixion, Jesus was under the watchful eye of His Father, as stated in Matthew 10:29-31.

How does this verse relate to the crucifixion of Jesus?

This verse is a part of the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, which is a pivotal event in the gospel accounts, including Matthew 27:35, where Jesus is crucified, and Matthew 28:1-20, where He is resurrected, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:5.

What can we learn from the actions of the soldiers in this verse?

The actions of the soldiers in this verse teach us about the importance of obedience and duty, as they were following orders, but also highlight the contrast between their mundane task and the profound significance of the event they were witnessing, as seen in Luke 23:47, where a centurion recognizes Jesus' innocence.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to 'keep watch' over someone, and how can I apply this concept to my own relationships with others?
How can I, like the soldiers, be faithful in the tasks and responsibilities that God has given me, even when they seem mundane or unimportant?
What does this verse reveal about the character of Jesus, and how can I reflect His humility and obedience in my own life?
In what ways can I, like the centurion in Luke 23:47, recognize and respond to the presence and power of God in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 27:36

And sitting down, they watched him there. That is, the soldiers, after they had crucified Jesus, and parted his garments, sat down on the ground at the foot of the cross, and there watched him, lest

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 27:36

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof he would not drink They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 27:36

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 27:36

36 And sitting down they watched him there; Ver. 36. They watched him there] Lest haply he should get away thence by a miracle. But his time of getting out of their hands was not yet come. Here hung for a while that golden censer, Christ’ s body; which through the holes that were made in it, as through chinks or holes, fumed forth a sweet savour in the nestles of his heavenly Father, Ephesians 5:2, such as draweth all men to him, that have their "senses exercised to discern good and evil," John 12:32; Hebrews 5:14.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 27:36

Verse 36. They watched him] To prevent his disciples or relatives from taking away the body or affording any relief to the sufferer.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 27:36

36. they watched him there] fearing lest a rescue should be attempted by the friends of Jesus.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 27:36

They watched him there - That is, the four soldiers who had crucified him. They watched him lest his friends should come and release him.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 27:36

36. Sitting down… watched — The four Roman soldiers, who were the proper executioners, sat down to witness and secure the process of death.

Sermons on Matthew 27:36

	Sermon	Description
	Darkness Has Crossed a Line by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the belief in a forthcoming spiritual awakening in New York City, not due to human efforts but because darkness has crossed a line, challenging the authority
	Lord, Abide With Us - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the crucifixion of Jesus and the soldiers who took His garments. The soldiers played dice to determine who would get His seamless tunic, which
	The Radical Kingdom - Part 3 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church demonstrating the power of forgiveness and meekness in the face of unjust suffering. They highlight that this de
	Pilate's Wife - Part 3 by John Piper	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Pilate's wife, Claudia, and her encounter with Jesus. The sermon begins by emphasizing the power of God and how nothing can sta
	Road to Redemption by Shane Idleman	This sermon focuses on the road to redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It emphasizes the counter-cultural nature of the gospel, the power of Christ's sac
	Is Jesus God's Son? by Ernest O'Neill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the existence of God and presents Einstein and Darwin's views as evidence for a supreme being behind the universe. The sermon then focuses on
	Faith of Soldiers by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the centurion who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and proclaimed him to be a righteous man. The centurion's statement implies that Jesus was ind