King James Version

What Does Mark 15:45 Mean?

Mark 15:45 in the King James Version says “And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.”

Mark 15:45 · KJV

Context

43

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

44

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

46

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

47

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph—After receiving centurion confirmation, Pilate officially released Jesus's corpse. The Greek verb means to grant, give as a gift—Pilate granted permission without charging fees Roman officials often extracted. The word for corpse emphasizes genuinely lifeless—not a swooned man but a verified corpse. Pilate's cooperation seems pragmatic—he had found no fault in Jesus (Mark 15:14), yielding to Jewish pressure reluctantly. Granting burial to a prominent Sanhedrin member posed no threat. Yet providentially, this ensured Jesus was buried honorably in a known, secure tomb—necessary for resurrection verification. Had Jesus been thrown into a common criminals' grave, the tomb's location would be unknown and resurrection claims unverifiable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman practice typically denied burial to crucified criminals, leaving corpses as carrion. However, governors could grant exceptions during Jewish festivals to prevent unrest. Pilate's agreement avoided potential Jewish outrage at corpses defiling the land during Passover and Sabbath. Joseph's new tomb meant Jesus's body was the only corpse interred there—eliminating confusion about which body was later missing. The tomb's location in a garden near Golgotha was known to multiple witnesses—Joseph, the women, Roman guards—making the empty tomb historically verifiable. God orchestrated circumstances so resurrection would be undeniable to honest inquirers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pilate's release demonstrate God's sovereignty working through reluctant authorities?
  2. What does fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9 reveal about Scripture's prophetic precision?
  3. How do the practical circumstances of Jesus's burial demonstrate that God prepared evidence for resurrection belief?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γνοὺς2 of 10

“when he knew”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ἀπὸ3 of 10

“it of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεντυρίωνος5 of 10

“the centurion”

G2760

a centurion, i.e., captain of one hundred soldiers

ἐδωρήσατο6 of 10

“he gave”

G1433

to bestow gratuitously

τὸ7 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῶμα8 of 10

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τῷ9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰωσήφ10 of 10

“to Joseph”

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 15:45 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 15:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 15:39Matthew 27:58John 19:38

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