Mark Chapter 15 · Verse 45
And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνοὺς
when he knew
G1097
γνοὺς
when he knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
2 of 10
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ἀπὸ
it of
G575
ἀπὸ
it of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 10
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεντυρίωνος
the centurion
G2760
κεντυρίωνος
the centurion
Strong's:
G2760
Word #:
5 of 10
a centurion, i.e., captain of one hundred soldiers
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
8 of 10
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Roman practice typically denied burial to crucified criminals, leaving corpses as carrion. However, governors could grant exceptions during Jewish festivals to prevent unrest. Pilate's agreement avoided potential Jewish outrage at corpses defiling the land during Passover and Sabbath. Joseph's new tomb meant Jesus's body was the only corpse interred there—eliminating confusion about which body was later missing. The tomb's location in a garden near Golgotha was known to multiple witnesses—Joseph, the women, Roman guards—making the empty tomb historically verifiable. God orchestrated circumstances so resurrection would be undeniable to honest inquirers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pilate's release demonstrate God's sovereignty working through reluctant authorities?
- What does fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9 reveal about Scripture's prophetic precision?
- How do the practical circumstances of Jesus's burial demonstrate that God prepared evidence for resurrection belief?
Analysis & Commentary
And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph—After receiving centurion confirmation, Pilate officially released Jesus's corpse. The Greek verb means to grant, give as a gift—Pilate granted permission without charging fees Roman officials often extracted. The word for corpse emphasizes genuinely lifeless—not a swooned man but a verified corpse. Pilate's cooperation seems pragmatic—he had found no fault in Jesus (Mark 15:14), yielding to Jewish pressure reluctantly. Granting burial to a prominent Sanhedrin member posed no threat. Yet providentially, this ensured Jesus was buried honorably in a known, secure tomb—necessary for resurrection verification. Had Jesus been thrown into a common criminals' grave, the tomb's location would be unknown and resurrection claims unverifiable.