New International Version“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
New Living TranslationPilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.”
English Standard VersionPilate 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 BiblePilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go make it as secure as you know how."
King James BiblePilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
New King James VersionPilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”
New American Standard BiblePilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
NASB 1995Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
NASB 1977Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
Legacy Standard BiblePilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
Amplified BiblePilate said to them, “You have a guard [of soldiers]; go [with them], 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 BibleYou have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.”
American Standard VersionPilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can.
Contemporary English VersionPilate said to them, "All right, take some of your soldiers and guard the tomb as well as you know how."
English Revised VersionPilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPilate 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 VersionPilate told them, "You have a military guard. Go and make the tomb as secure as you know how."
NET BiblePilate said to them, "Take a guard of soldiers. Go and make it as secure as you can."
New Heart English BiblePilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can."
Webster's Bible TranslationPilate 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 BiblePilate 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 BiblePilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go make it as secure as you know how."
Young's Literal Translation And Pilate said to them, 'Ye have a watch, go away, make secure -- as ye have known;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd 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 VersionPilate said to them: “You have a guard. Go, guard it as you know how.”
New American BiblePilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can.”
New Revised Standard VersionPilate 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 EnglishPilate 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 TestamentPilate said to them, You have a watch: go, make it safe as you know.
Haweis New TestamentThen said Pilate unto them, Ye have a guard, go and make it as secure as ye think fit.
Mace New Testamentto 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 TestamentAnd Pilate said to them, "Ye have a guard; go your way, secure it, as ye know how."
Worsley New TestamentBut Pilate said to them, Ye have a guard of your own, go and make it as secure as ye will.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
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 havea guard,”Pilatesaid.“Go,make the tomb as secureasyou know how.”66So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.…
Cross References John 19:22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Mark 15:44-45Pilate 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 23:52-54He 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 4:27-28In 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 19:38-42Afterward, 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. ...
Matthew 28:11-15While 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 3:13-15The 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.
Acts 13:27-29The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. / And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. / When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
Luke 24:20Our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and they crucified Him.
Isaiah 53:9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
Psalm 2:1-2Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
Daniel 6:17A 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.
Psalm 22:16-18For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. / I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. / They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Isaiah 53:3-5He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
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 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Jump to Previous AbleBestGuardPilateSafeSecureSoldiersSureTombWatchWatchmenWayJump to Next AbleBestGuardPilateSafeSecureSoldiersSureTombWatchWatchmenWayMatthew 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 guardThis phrase indicates that Pilate, the Roman governor, is granting the Jewish leaders' request for a guard to secure Jesus' tomb. The guard likely consisted of Roman soldiers, known for their discipline and effectiveness. This action underscores the tension between the Jewish authorities and the followers of Jesus, as the leaders were concerned about the possibility of Jesus' disciples stealing His body to claim resurrection. The presence of Roman guards also highlights the political and religious stakes involved in Jesus' death and burial. Pilate said
Pilate's involvement in the burial process reflects his role in the crucifixion and the political dynamics of the time. As the Roman governor, Pilate had the authority to grant or deny requests from the Jewish leaders. His decision to provide a guard shows his attempt to maintain order and prevent any potential uprising. Pilate's actions throughout the trial and crucifixion of Jesus are marked by a struggle between his own judgment and the pressure from the Jewish authorities, as seen in earlier passages. Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how
This directive from Pilate gives the Jewish leaders the responsibility to ensure the security of the tomb. The phrase implies a sense of urgency and thoroughness, as the leaders are instructed to use their best efforts to prevent any tampering with Jesus' body. The emphasis on security highlights the significance of the resurrection claim and the lengths to which the authorities went to prevent it. This also sets the stage for the miraculous nature of the resurrection, as the measures taken to secure the tomb were humanly insurmountable. The phrase connects to the fulfillment of prophecy and the divine power of God, as no human effort could thwart His plan. 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 LeadersChief 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 TombThe 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 GuardA group of soldiers assigned to secure the tomb, ensuring that Jesus' body would not be stolen. 5. The ResurrectionThe 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 ResurrectionThe 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 FearThe 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 WitnessesThe 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?
11.What does the Passion of Christ entail?
12.Who was Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?
13.What evidence supports Jesus' resurrection?
14.Why was Jesus dead for three days?What Does Matthew 27:65 Mean You have a guardPilate grants the chief priests and Pharisees what they ask for: Roman soldiers. By doing so he unwittingly supplies unbiased witnesses to the resurrection. •Matthew 27:62–64 shows their fear of a staged resurrection, whileMatthew 28:4, 11 records those very guards reporting the angel’s appearance. •Acts 12:4 illustrates how Rome normally relied on soldiers to keep prisoners; the same rigor is now applied to a tomb. • God’s providence is clear—what men intend for control, He uses for confirmation (Genesis 50:20;Acts 2:23).
Pilate saidThe statement comes from the governor whose authority seemed final on Good Friday (John 19:10–11). Yet his words become part of God’s larger plan. •Luke 23:22 shows Pilate repeatedly declaring Jesus innocent, and now he unknowingly safeguards the evidence for the greatest vindication of all. •John 19:19–22 highlights how Pilate’s previous inscription (“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”) could not be altered; likewise, his permission for a guard cannot be undone, setting a legal seal on the tomb.
GoWith a single command, Pilate releases the religious leaders to act. • CompareJohn 19:38–42, where Pilate allows Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus; both “go” commands fulfill prophecy and move events toward resurrection morning. •Exodus 12:31 records Pharaoh’s abrupt “Rise up, go,” propelling Israel toward deliverance; here the command propels history toward the empty tomb.
make the tomb as secure as you know howHuman effort reaches its limit: a stone, a seal, armed soldiers (Matthew 27:66). •Daniel 6:17 speaks of a stone and seal over the lions’ den, yet God rescued Daniel; the parallel foreshadows Jesus’ greater deliverance. •Matthew 12:40 predicts three days in the heart of the earth, affirming that no seal can hinder God’s timetable. • When the angel rolls back the stone (Matthew 28:2), the impotence of earthly power is exposed, fulfillingActs 2:24 and1 Corinthians 15:4.
summaryPilate’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. (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 ( ἔχετεκουστωδίαν, 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.
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.PilateΠιλᾶτος(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] secureἀσφαλίσασθε(asphalisasthe)Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 805:To make safe (secure, fast). From asphales; to render secure.asὡς(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.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:65 Pilate said to them You have (Matt. Mat Mt) |
