New International Version “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” New Living Translation Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” English Standard Version Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” Berean Standard Bible “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” Berean Literal Bible Pilate said to them, “You⁺ have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you⁺ have known.” King James Bible Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. New King James Version Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” New American Standard Bible Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” NASB 1995 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” NASB 1977 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” Legacy Standard Bible Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” Amplified Bible Pilate said to them, “You have a guard [of soldiers]; go [with them], make the tomb as secure as you know how.” Berean Annotated Bible “You⁺ have a guard, Pilate (armed with a spear) said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you⁺ know how. Christian Standard Bible “Take guards,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” Holman Christian Standard Bible You have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” American Standard Version Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can. Contemporary English Version Pilate said to them, "All right, take some of your soldiers and guard the tomb as well as you know how." English Revised Version Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. GOD'S WORD® Translation Pilate told them, "You have the soldiers you want for guard duty. Go and make the tomb as secure as you know how." Good News Translation "Take a guard," Pilate told them; "go and make the tomb as secure as you can." International Standard Version Pilate told them, "You have a military guard. Go and make the tomb as secure as you know how." NET Bible Pilate said to them, "Take a guard of soldiers. Go and make it as secure as you can." New Heart English Bible Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can." Webster's Bible Translation Pilate said to them, Ye have a watch: go, make it as secure as ye can. Weymouth New Testament "You can have a guard," said Pilate: "go and make all safe, as best you can." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” World English Bible Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Pilate said to them, “You have a guard, go away, make [it] secure—as you have known”; Berean Literal Bible Pilate said to them, “You⁺ have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you⁺ have known.” Young's Literal Translation And Pilate said to them, 'Ye have a watch, go away, make secure -- as ye have known;' Smith's Literal Translation And Pilate said to them, Ye have a watch: retire, render secure as ye know. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePilate saith to them: You have a guard; go, guard it as you know. Catholic Public Domain Version Pilate said to them: “You have a guard. Go, guard it as you know how.” New American Bible Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can.” New Revised Standard Version Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BiblePilate said to them, You have guards; go and take precautions as best you know. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Pilate said to them, “You have guards, go guard it just as you know how.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentPilate said to them: You have a guard; go, make it as safe as you know how. Godbey New Testament Pilate said to them, You have a watch: go, make it safe as you know. Haweis New Testament Then said Pilate unto them, Ye have a guard, go and make it as secure as ye think fit. Mace New Testament to whom Pilate replied, you have a guard, go then, and make it as secure as you can. Weymouth New Testament "You can have a guard," said Pilate: "go and make all safe, as best you can." Worrell New Testament And Pilate said to them, "Ye have a guard; go your way, secure it, as ye know how." Worsley New Testament But Pilate said to them, Ye have a guard of your own, go and make it as secure as ye will. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Guards at the Tomb…64So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” 65“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.… Cross References “You have a guard,” Matthew 28:4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. 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.’ … Acts 12:6-10 On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. / Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” … Pilate said. John 19:4-6 Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” / When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” / As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.” Luke 23:13-16 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, / and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. … Mark 15:12-15 So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?” / And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” / “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” … “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” Daniel 6:17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed. John 11:38-40 Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. / “Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” / Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Matthew 28:2-4 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. / The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. John 19:22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” Mark 15:44-45 Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. / When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Luke 23:52-54 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. / Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. / It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning. Acts 4:27-28 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. John 19:38-42 Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. / Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. … Acts 3:13-15 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. / You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. / You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this fact. John 18:31 “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. Treasury of Scripture Pilate said to them, You have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as you can. make. Matthew 28:11-15 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done… Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Jump to Previous Able Best Guard Pilate Safe Secure Soldiers Sure Tomb Watch Watchmen WayJump to Next Able Best Guard Pilate Safe Secure Soldiers Sure Tomb Watch Watchmen WayMatthew 27 1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.3. Judas hangs himself. 19. Pilate, admonished of his wife, 20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas. 27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns; 33. crucified; 39. reviled; 50. dies, and is buried; 62. his tomb is sealed and watched. “You have a guard,” Pilate granted the chief priests and Pharisees a detachment of soldiers to watch Jesus’ tomb. Their concern was that the disciples might remove His body and proclaim that He had risen. Mat 28:4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. Pilate said. As governor, Pilate held authority over the troops and acted to prevent any disturbance surrounding Jesus’ burial. Though he had found no basis for condemning Jesus, he continued to yield to the demands of the Jewish leaders. Jhn 19:4-6 Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews,… “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” The leaders were permitted to take every practical measure available, including sealing the stone and posting guards. Their efforts made clear that the empty tomb could not reasonably be explained by theft or human intervention. Dan 6:17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Pontius PilateThe Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. In this verse, he authorizes the Jewish leaders to secure Jesus' tomb. 2. Jewish Leaders Chief priests and Pharisees who were concerned about Jesus' prophecy of rising on the third day. They requested Pilate to secure the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body. 3. The Tomb The burial place of Jesus, which was a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. It was sealed and guarded to prevent any tampering. 4. Roman Guard A group of soldiers assigned to secure the tomb, ensuring that Jesus' body would not be stolen. 5. The Resurrection The event that the Jewish leaders were trying to prevent from being falsely claimed by securing the tomb, which ultimately could not be stopped by human means. Teaching Points Human Efforts vs. Divine WillNo human effort can thwart the plans of God. The Jewish leaders and Pilate's attempt to secure the tomb was ultimately ineffective against God's power. The Reality of the Resurrection The resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith. The empty tomb is a testament to Jesus' victory over death, affirming His divine nature and the truth of His promises. Faith Over Fear The actions of the Jewish leaders were driven by fear and disbelief. As believers, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and promises. The Role of Witnesses The presence of the guards and the sealed tomb provided additional witnesses to the miraculous event of the resurrection, strengthening the testimony of the risen Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 27:65?2. How does Pilate's response in Matthew 27:65 reflect his authority and responsibility? 3. What does "You have a guard" reveal about the chief priests' intentions? 4. How can Matthew 27:65 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan? 5. Compare Pilate's actions in Matthew 27:65 with Romans 13:1-2 on authority. 6. How can we apply the concept of vigilance from Matthew 27:65 in our lives? 7. What does "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how" imply? 8. How does Matthew 27:65 reflect on the authority of Pilate in Jesus' crucifixion narrative? 9. Why did Pilate grant a guard for Jesus' tomb in Matthew 27:65? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27? (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.Verse 65. - Ye have a watch (ἔχετε κουστωδίαν, take a guard). Pilate answers briefly and haughtily, "Well, I give permission; do as you like; take a body of soldiers as a guard, and go your way." This last verb is imperative, so the former is most probably imperative also. If taken as indicative, the question arises - What guard had they? This is difficult to answer, unless, as Alford supposes, it may refer to some detachment placed at their disposal during the feast. But of this we know nothing historically. Make it as sure (ἀσφαλίσασθε, secure it for yourselves) as ye can; literally, as ye know how. Take any precaution you think fit to employ. Pilate’s brief directive—“You have a guard… Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how”—shows human authority straining to contain God’s redemptive plan. The guard, the command, and the seal all serve to verify the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. What was meant to silence rumor instead amplifies truth: the empty tomb is historically attested, divinely orchestrated, and eternally significant. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “You haveἜχετε (Echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a guard,” κουστωδίαν (koustōdian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2892: A guard, watch. Of Latin origin; 'custody', i.e. A Roman sentry. Pilate Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman. said. Ἔφη (Ephē) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. “Go, ὑπάγετε (hypagete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5217: To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively. make [the tomb as] secure ἀσφαλίσασθε (asphalisasthe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 805: To make safe (secure, fast). From asphales; to render secure. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. you know [how].” οἴδατε (oidate) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. Additonal Resources Matthew 27:65 Blue Letter BibleMatthew 27:65 Bible Gateway Matthew 27:65 Bible.com Matthew 27:65 NIV |
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