King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:63 Mean?

“Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.”

Context

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

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

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

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

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(63) **We remember that that deceiver said . . .**—It appears, then, that though they had deliberately stirred up the passions of the people by representing the mysterious words of John 2:14 as threatening a literal destruction of the Temple (Matthew 26:61; Matthew 27:40), they themselves had understood, wholly or in part, their true meaning. We are, perhaps, surprised that they should in this respect have been more clear-sighted than the disciples, but in such a matter sorrow and disappointment confuse, and suspicion sharpens the intellect. **That deceiver.**—They had used the cognate verb of Him before (John 7:12), and this was, perhaps, their usual way of speaking of Him.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 27:63 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.