King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:60 Mean?

Matthew 27:60 in the King James Version says “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepul...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

Matthew 27:60 · KJV

Context

58

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

59

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

61

And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

62

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock—Joseph gave Jesus his personal burial plot, a costly sacrifice as tombs took months to carve and represented family inheritance. The new tomb meant no other body had occupied it, emphasizing Christ's uniqueness and ensuring no confusion about whose body rose. He rolled a great stone to the door (προσεκύλισεν λίθον μέγαν)—circular stones weighing 1-2 tons secured wealthy tombs.

This detail becomes crucial: the massive stone required multiple men to roll uphill into sealing position. The mega lithon (great stone) made theft humanly impossible without detection. The sealed tomb became evidence—not a prison but a testimony. The same stone meant to keep Jesus in would prove he rose through it, not by human rolling away.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rock-hewn tombs near Jerusalem were expensive, owned by wealthy families. They featured a small entrance sealed by a rolling stone in a groove. Some had antechambers for mourning. The tomb was near Golgotha (John 19:41-42), providentially located for quick burial before Sabbath. The location also fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of burial 'with the rich.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What did it cost Joseph to give up his family tomb for Jesus' burial?
  2. How does the secured tomb strengthen rather than weaken the resurrection evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἔθηκεν2 of 22

“laid”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

αὐτοῦ3 of 22

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν4 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ5 of 22
G3588

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

καινῷ6 of 22

“new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

αὐτοῦ7 of 22

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μνημείου8 of 22

“of the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ὃ9 of 22

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλατόμησεν10 of 22

“he had hewn out”

G2998

to quarry

ἐν11 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ12 of 22
G3588

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

πέτρᾳ13 of 22

“the rock”

G4073

a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

προσκυλίσας15 of 22

“he rolled”

G4351

to roll towards, i.e., block against

λίθον16 of 22

“stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

μέγαν17 of 22

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τῇ18 of 22
G3588

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

θύρᾳ19 of 22

“to the door”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 22
G3588

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

μνημείου21 of 22

“of the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἀπῆλθεν22 of 22

“and departed”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 27:60 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 Matthew 27:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 53:9Matthew 27:66Matthew 28:2John 20:1Luke 24:2Mark 16:3-4

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