Matthew 27:58
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
He
G3778
οὗτος
He
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
προσελθὼν
went
G4334
προσελθὼν
went
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 16
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
7 of 16
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
10 of 16
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποδοθῆναι
to be delivered
G591
ἀποδοθῆναι
to be delivered
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
14 of 16
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
Historical Context
Roman governors could grant bodies to relatives or advocates as political favor. Pilate had already declared Jesus innocent three times, so granting the body involved no legal risk. The speed of Jesus' death (six hours) was unusual—likely due to prior scourging, the crown of thorns, and carrying the cross. His voluntary surrender of life (John 10:18) fulfilled Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the verification of Jesus' death refute theories that he merely revived from unconsciousness?
- What gave Joseph courage to ask Pilate when all the apostles were in hiding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus (ᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα)—the Greek aitesato means earnestly requested, even demanded as a favor. Roman law allowed family or advocates to claim executed bodies. Joseph's boldness contrasts with the disciples' fear and hiding. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered—only after confirming death with the centurion (Mark 15:44-45).
This detail confirms Jesus truly died—not swooned or fainted. Pilate's surprise at the rapid death (typically crucifixion took days) prompted verification. The centurion's testimony closed all doubt. Joseph's request transformed Jesus from executed criminal to honored deceased, preparing for royal burial that befitted the King of Kings.