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Matthew 27:64

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.

Matthew 27:64 · King James Version

Meaning

Here, the verse is referencing the request made by the religious leaders to Pontius Pilate to secure Jesus' tomb to prevent any potential deception. The leaders were concerned that Jesus' disciples might remove his body from the tomb and claim that he had risen from the dead, perpetuating what they saw as an already troubling situation. By securing the sepulchre until the third day, they hoped to prevent any such deception from occurring. This verse highlights the fear and skepticism surrounding Jesus' resurrection, as well as the lengths that some were willing to go to in order to discredit his teachings. It also foreshadows the events that would follow, leading up to the discovery of the empty tomb and the spread of the news that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of scripture.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see the concern raised by the religious leaders about the possibility of Jesus' disciples attempting to steal his body from the sepulchre, in order to perpetuate a false narrative of his resurrection. This fear reflects the disbelief and opposition towards Jesus' teachings and miraculous works. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the underlying skepticism and resistance to the idea of Jesus coming back to life, as prophesied. The leaders' request for the tomb to be secured until the third day demonstrates their attempt to prevent any deception or misinterpretation of the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. This verse serves as a reminder of the critical role of the resurrection in the Christian faith, and the attempts to discredit it only reinforce its significance in the Christian narrative.

Matthew 27:64 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”

Douay-Rheims

Command therefore the sepulchre to be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps his disciples come and steal him away and say to the people: He is risen from the dead. And the last error shall be worse than the first.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Command therefore, that the sepulchre be made sure vntill the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steale him away, and say vnto the people, He is risen from the dead: so shall the last errour be worse then the first.