Matthew 27:62
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Original Language Analysis
Τῇ
G3588
Τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαύριον,
the next day
G1887
ἐπαύριον,
the next day
Strong's:
G1887
Word #:
3 of 16
occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow
ἐστὶν
followed
G2076
ἐστὶν
followed
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
5 of 16
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
μετὰ
G3326
μετὰ
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνήχθησαν
came together
G4863
συνήχθησαν
came together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 16
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
11 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
14 of 16
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
Cross References
Mark 15:42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,John 19:14And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!John 19:42There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Historical Context
The Sabbath began Friday sundown and ended Saturday sundown. For religious leaders to conduct governmental business violated their own strict interpretations. Their approach to Pilate on Sabbath demonstrated desperation—they feared the resurrection claim more than they feared breaking the fourth commandment. This occurred during Passover week, heightening the contradiction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain religious appearances while violating God's heart, like the religious leaders?
- What does it mean that Jesus' enemies remembered his resurrection prophecy when his disciples forgot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The next day, that followed the day of the preparation—this phrases the Sabbath respectfully without naming it, emphasizing the holy day. Yet the chief priests and Pharisees violated Sabbath by conducting business with Pilate. Their religious scruples (they wouldn't enter Pilate's hall during Passover, John 18:28) evaporated when protecting their position. Came together unto Pilate (συνήχθησαν πρὸς Πιλᾶτον)—conspired, gathered officially.
This verse reveals stunning hypocrisy: they remembered Jesus' resurrection prediction when his own disciples forgot (16:21-22). The enemies took Christ's words more seriously than his friends did. Their Sabbath-breaking for tomb security exposes what they truly worshiped—not God, but their own authority. They could kill the Son of God and still keep Sabbath externalism, yet felt compelled to break Sabbath to prevent resurrection.