Menu

Matthew 27:65

Matthew 27:65 in Multiple Translations

“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”

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

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

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

“I'll give you a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Now go, and make it as secure as you possibly can.”

Then Pilate saide vnto them, Ye haue a watch: goe, and make it sure as ye knowe.

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

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”

Pilate said to them, Ye have a watch: go, make it as secure as ye can.

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

Pilate replied, “You can take some soldiers. Go to the tomb and make it as secure as you know how.”

Pilate said, “All right. You can take a mob of soldiers to guard that cave. Do whatever you can to stop anybody from moving that stone.”

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 27:65

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 27:65 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εφη δε αυτοις ο πιλατος εχετε κουστωδιαν υπαγετε ασφαλισασθε ως οιδατε
εφη phēmi G5346 to assert Verb-IAI-3S
δε de G1161 then Conj
αυτοις autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DPM
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
πιλατος Pilatos G4091 Pilate Noun-NSM
εχετε echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAI-2P
κουστωδιαν koustōdia G2892 guard Noun-ASF
υπαγετε hupagō G5217 to go Verb-PAM-2P
ασφαλισασθε asphalizō G805 to secure Verb-ADM-2P
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
οιδατε eidō G1492 to perceive: see Verb-RAI-2P
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 27:65

εφη phēmi G5346 "to assert" Verb-IAI-3S
To assert or declare, meaning to speak or say something, as seen in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:23. It is often used to quote someone's words or make a statement.
Definition: φημί [in LXX chiefly for נָאַם, also for אָמַר; frequently in 2-4 Mac ;] to declare, say: frequently in quoting the words of another, Mat.13:29 26:61, Luk.7:40 22:58, Jhn.1:23, al.; interjected into the recorded words (cl.), Mat.14:8, Act.23:35, al.; φησί, impersonal (Bl., § 30, 4), 1Co.6:16 (Lft., Notes, 217; but cf. Bl., l.with), 2Co.10:10 (WH, mg., φασίν), Heb.8:5; joined with syn. verb (cf. LS, see word, II, 2), ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ ἔφη, Luk.23:3; before -πρός, Luk.22:70, al.; with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.10:15 10:19; accusative and inf., Rom.3:8; before ὅτι (Bl., § 70, 3), 1Co.10:19 15:50 (cf. σύν-φημι) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: affirm, say See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 26:25; Hebrews 8:5.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
αυτοις autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DPM
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.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πιλατος Pilatos G4091 "Pilate" Noun-NSM
Pilate was a Roman leader who played a key role in the New Testament, particularly in the trials of Jesus. He is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Pilate's story is significant in the Bible.
Definition: Πειλᾶτος (Rec. Πιλάτος, Tr., -ᾶτος, see WH, App., 155), -ου, ὁ, Pontius Pilate: Mat.27:2, Mrk.15:1, Luk.3:1, Jhn.18:29, Act.3:13, 1Ti.6:13, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 53 NT verses. KJV: Pilate See also: 1 Timothy 6:13; Luke 23:3; Matthew 27:65.
εχετε echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAI-2P
This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.
Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
κουστωδιαν koustōdia G2892 "guard" Noun-ASF
A Roman sentry or guard is referred to as 'koustodia' in the Bible, such as the guards stationed at Jesus' tomb in Matthew 27:65-66 and 28:11. These soldiers were tasked with keeping watch over the tomb.
Definition: κουστωδία, -ας, ἡ (Lat. custodia), a guard: Mat.27:65-66 28:11.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: watch See also: Matthew 27:65; Matthew 27:66; Matthew 28:11.
υπαγετε hupagō G5217 "to go" Verb-PAM-2P
To go or depart is the meaning of this word, used in Matthew 8:3 when Jesus heals a leper and tells him to go show himself to the priests. It means to withdraw or retire from a place or situation.
Definition: ὑπ-άγω [in LXX: Exo.14:21 (הָלַךְ hi.), elsewhere only as seel., Tob.8:21, al. ;] a word of the vulgar language, in Pres. and imperfect only (Bl., § 53, 1). __I. Trans. __1. to lead or bring under, subdue (Hom., Hdt., al.; Ex, l.with). __2. to lead on slowly (Hdt., Xen., al.). __II. Intrans., to go slowly away, withdraw oneself, depart (so less frequently in cl.; Thuc., Eur., al.): absol., Mat.8:32 13:44, Mrk.6:33, Luk.8:42 17:14, Jhn.6:67 8:2 11:44 14:5, 28 18:8; οἱ ἐρχόμενοι κ. οἱ ὑπάγοντες, Mrk.6:31; ὑπῆγον κ. ἐπίστευον, Jhn.12:11; ἵνα ὑπαγῆτε κ. καρπὸν ψέρητε, Jhn.15:16; opposite to ἔρχεσθαι, Jhn.3:8 8:14; imperat., ὕπαγε, Mat.4:10 8:13 20:14, Mrk.2:9 T, Mrk.7:29 10:52; εἰς εἰρήνην (ἐν εἰ.), Mrk.5:34, Jas.2:16; id. prefixed to another imperat. (Bl., § 79, 4), Mat.5:34 8:4 18:15 19:21 21:28 27:65 28:10, Mrk.1:44 10:21 16:7, Jhn.4:16 9:7, Rev.10:8; with καί inserted, Rev.16:1; euphemistically, of death, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21; with adv.: ποῦ (which see), Jhn.12:35 14:5 16:5, 1Jn.2:11; ὅπου (which see), Jhn.8:21-22 13:33, 36 14:4 Rev.14:4; ἐκεῖ, Jhn.11:8; with prep.: πρός, Jhn.7:33 13:3 16:5, 10 16:17; εἰς, Mat.9:6 20:4, 7, Mrk.2:11 11:2 14:13, Luk.19:30, Jhn.6:21 7:3 9:11 11:31, Rev.13:10 17:8, 11; εἰς . . . πρός, Mat.26:18, Mrk.5:19; ἐπί, Luk.12:58; μετά, Mat.5:41; ὀπίσω, Mat.16:23, Mrk.8:33; with inf., Jhn.21:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 77 NT verses. KJV: depart, get hence, go (a-)way See also: 1 John 2:11; Mark 2:11; James 2:16.
ασφαλισασθε asphalizō G805 "to secure" Verb-ADM-2P
To secure something means to make it safe or firm, and is used in Matthew 27:65-66 to describe making the tomb secure. It's about taking action to protect or guard something, and is also used in Acts 16:24 to describe making the prison more secure.
Definition: ἀσφαλίζω (ἀσφαλής), [in LXX: Neh.3:15 (חָזַק hi.), Isa.41:10 (תָּמַךְ), Wis.4:17 10:12 13:15 * ;] to make firm, secure: mid., Mat.27:65-66, Act.16:24; pass., Mat.27:64 (MM, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: make fast (sure) See also: Acts 16:24; Matthew 27:65; Matthew 27:66.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
οιδατε eidō G1492 "to perceive: see" Verb-RAI-2P
This verb means to see or perceive, used in the Bible to describe spiritual awareness or insight. In Matthew 25:13 and John 10:4, it refers to recognizing God's presence or will. The verb is often used to encourage believers to seek spiritual understanding and discernment.
Definition: οἶδα, (from same root as εἶδον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] pf. with present meaning (plpf. as impf.; on irregular tense-forms, see App.), to have seen or perceived, hence, to know, have knowledge of: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.25:13, Mrk.10:19, Jhn.10:4, Rom.7:7, al.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:72, Jhn.1:31, Act.3:16, al.; τ. θεόν, 1Th.4:5, Tit.1:16, al.; with accusative and inf., Luk.4:41, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.9:6, Luk.20:21, Jhn.3:2, Rom.2:2 11:2, al.; before quaest. indir., Mat.26:70, Jhn.9:21, Eph.1:18, al.; with inf., to know how (cl.), Mat.7:11, Luk.11:13, Php.4:12, 1Th.4:4, al.; in unique sense of respect, appreciate: 1Th.5:12 (but see also ICC on 1Th.4:4). SYN.: see: γινώσκω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 295 NT verses. KJV: be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; Acts 26:27; 1 Peter 1:8.

Study Notes — Matthew 27:65

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 27:66 So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.
2 Matthew 28:11–15 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.
3 Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
4 Psalms 76:10 Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.

Matthew 27:65 Summary

[In this verse, Pilate is giving orders to make sure the tomb where Jesus is buried is secure, so that no one can steal His body and claim He rose from the dead. This shows that the chief priests and Pharisees were trying to prevent the spread of Jesus' teachings, but ultimately, God was in control, as seen in Matthew 28:1-20, where Jesus rises from the dead despite their efforts. This verse also reminds us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human attempts to control or prevent them, as stated in Proverbs 19:21. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can learn to let go of our need to control and instead trust in His goodness and love.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pilate agree to secure the tomb?

Pilate agreed to secure the tomb because the chief priests and Pharisees reminded him of Jesus' statement that He would rise again on the third day, as recorded in Matthew 27:63, and they were concerned that His disciples would steal His body and claim He had risen from the dead, as seen in Matthew 27:64.

What was the purpose of sealing the stone and posting a guard?

The purpose of sealing the stone and posting a guard was to prevent Jesus' disciples from stealing His body and to ensure that the tomb remained secure, as instructed by Pilate in Matthew 27:65, and as carried out in Matthew 27:66.

Did Pilate believe that Jesus would actually rise from the dead?

There is no indication in the Bible that Pilate believed Jesus would rise from the dead, but rather he was trying to prevent a potential deception by Jesus' disciples, as stated in Matthew 27:64, and to maintain order and stability in the region, as seen in his interactions with the chief priests and Pharisees.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Gospel of Matthew?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection in the Gospel of Matthew, and it highlights the efforts of the chief priests and Pharisees to prevent the spread of Jesus' teachings and the news of His resurrection, as seen in Matthew 28:11-15, where they attempt to cover up the truth of the empty tomb.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I try to 'secure' my life or circumstances, and how can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty instead?
  2. How do I respond when faced with the possibility of something miraculous or unexpected happening, like the resurrection of Jesus?
  3. In what ways can I be like the chief priests and Pharisees, trying to control or prevent the spread of the Gospel, and how can I repent of those tendencies?
  4. What does this verse reveal about the character of Pilate, and how can I learn from his example, both positively and negatively?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 27:65

Pilate said unto them, ye have a watch,.... Meaning either the watch of the temple, said to be placed in the tower of Antonia, for the service of it: hence mention is made of the captain of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 27:65

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 27:65

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 27:65

65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. Ver. 65. Pilate said unto them] He was willing to please both sides; and therefore condescends both to Joseph of Arimathea for his burial, and to the priests for securing the sepulchre. Κοινοφιλης, erat utpote qui ab omnibus gratiam inire cupiebat; quales quidam per iocum placentas dixit. But if I yet please men, saith Paul, as once I did when I was a Pharisee, "I am no more the servant of Christ," Galatians 1:10. He scorns that such base deceit should be found in his followers, Colossians 2:8. Mordecai will not crouch or curry favour, to die for it. Micaiah will not budge, though sure to kiss the stocks for his stiffness. Ye have a watch] Appointed for the use and service of the temple, a band of garrison soldiers who had their captain, Acts 4:1, and are here set to watch that true temple, wherein "the Godhead dwelt bodily," i.e. personally.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 27:65

(65) Ye have a watch.—Better, Take ye a guard. The Greek verb may be either imperative or indicative. The former gives the better meaning. The “watch,” or “guard,” was a body of Roman soldiers (St. Matthew uses the Latin term custodia), who could not be set to such a task without Pilate’s permission. If the priests had had such a “guard” at their disposal before, there would have been no need for them to apply to Pilate.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 27:65

Verse 65. Ye have a watch] The Jews had a corps of Roman troops, consisting of several companies, as a guard for the temple, Acts 4:1. These companies mounted guard by turns, see Lu 22:4. Some of these companies, which were not then on duty, Pilate gave them leave to employ to watch the tomb.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 27:65

65. Ye have a watch] The meaning is either (1) that Pilate refuses the request; “Ye have a watch of your own”—(a) the Levitical temple guard, or (b) a small body of soldiers whom Pilate may have already placed at their disposal—or (2) he grants it curtly and angrily, “Take a watch; begone.” The latter view is generally adopted now. It seems quite clear from ch. Matthew 28:14 that the guard was of Roman soldiers.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 27:65

Ye have a watch - The Jews had a guard of Roman soldiers, who kept watch in the tower of Antonia, on the northwest of the temple.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 27:65

65. Ye have a watch — The imperative construction which the Greek verb would bear, Have a watch, is not natural. Yet the indicative mood of the verb possesses essentially the same force as the imperative.

Sermons on Matthew 27:65

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 78 by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the significance of the torn veil in the temple when Jesus died, symbolizing the opening of the way into God's presence. It explores the concept of man as a
Hal Lindsey Circumstantial Evidences of the Resurrection by Hal Lindsey In this sermon, the speaker discusses how Dr. Simon Greenleaf, the founder of Harvard Law School, applied his laws of legal evidence to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dr. Greenl
Zac Poonen (Matthew) ch.27:32-28:20 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth and meaning of the commission mentioned in Mark 16:15-16. While the emphasis is often placed on eva
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr
Gilbert K. Chesterton The Man Who Knew Too Much by Gilbert K. Chesterton Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the mysterious and elusive Prince Michael, known for his talent of appearing and disappearing at will, leading to a series of daring escapes an
Isaac Penington Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and
H.J. Vine Wisdom and Grace; Or, Within and Without by H.J. Vine H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of cultivating the friendship between wisdom and grace as believers, as they are both attributes of God. Believers are encouraged to walk wi

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate