King James Version

What Does Matthew 27:66 Mean?

Matthew 27:66 in the King James Version says “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Matthew 27:66 · KJV

Context

64

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.

65

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

66

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch (ἐσφαλίσαντο τὸν τάφον σφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον)—The religious authorities took unprecedented precautions against resurrection. The verb esphalisanto (ἐσφαλίσαντο) means 'they secured/made safe,' while sphragisantes (σφραγίσαντες) indicates official sealing, likely with wax and the Roman imperial seal. The koustōdian (κουστωδίαν, Latin custodia) was a quaternion of Roman soldiers (4-16 men) whose lives would be forfeit if the body disappeared.

Ironically, their efforts to prevent the resurrection proclamation became its strongest evidence—they themselves testified the tomb was secure, the body was there, and no human theft was possible. Their precautions fulfilled Psalm 2:1-4: the rulers 'take counsel together against the LORD' while 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.' Rome's seal could not hold the Author of Life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus on Friday evening, the Sanhedrin waited until after Sabbath ended to approach Pilate (Matthew 27:62-64). This was likely Saturday evening or early Sunday. Roman tomb sealing involved cord across the stone secured with clay impressed with official seals. Breaking such seals was a capital offense. The guard detail would have been posted overnight, which makes the timing of the resurrection (before dawn Sunday) even more significant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does human opposition to God's purposes often end up confirming them instead of thwarting them?
  2. What 'sealed tombs' in your life might God be preparing to open with resurrection power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οἱ1 of 12
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 12

“So”

G1161

but, and, etc

πορευθέντες3 of 12

“they went”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἠσφαλίσαντο4 of 12

“and made”

G805

to render secure

τὸν5 of 12
G3588

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

τάφον6 of 12

“the sepulchre”

G5028

a grave (the place of interment)

σφραγίσαντες7 of 12

“sealing”

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

τὸν8 of 12
G3588

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

λίθον9 of 12

“the stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

μετὰ10 of 12

“and setting”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῆς11 of 12
G3588

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

κουστωδίας12 of 12

“a watch”

G2892

"custody", i.e., a roman sentry

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 27:66 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 27:66 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 6:172 Timothy 2:19Matthew 27:60Matthew 28:2Matthew 28:11

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