Matthew 27:63
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Original Language Analysis
λέγοντες
Saying
G3004
λέγοντες
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
2 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐμνήσθημεν
we remember
G3415
ἐμνήσθημεν
we remember
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
3 of 14
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκεῖνος
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 14
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλάνος
deceiver
G4108
πλάνος
deceiver
Strong's:
G4108
Word #:
7 of 14
roving (as a tramp), i.e., (by implication) an impostor or misleader
Μετὰ
After
G3326
Μετὰ
After
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Luke 9:22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.Matthew 16:21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.Mark 8:31And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.Mark 10:34And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.Matthew 20:19And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.Matthew 17:23And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.John 2:19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.Luke 18:33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.Matthew 26:61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.John 7:12And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Historical Context
Jewish law prescribed death for false prophets who led people astray (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). By calling Jesus 'that deceiver,' they justified his execution while simultaneously acknowledging his prophetic claims. Their concern over resurrection proves they took his predictions seriously despite public mockery—revealing private doubt about their verdict.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the religious leaders fear Jesus more after his death than during his life?
- How do we, like them, sometimes fight against truth we secretly fear might be real?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Sir, we remember that that deceiver said (ἐκεῖνος ὁ πλάνος)—calling Jesus ho planos (the deceiver/imposter) fulfilled Jesus' own prediction of persecution (John 15:20). The Greek definite article emphasizes 'that notorious deceiver,' showing their contempt continued beyond death. Yet they quoted him accurately: After three days I will rise again—referencing Matthew 12:40, 16:21, 17:23, 20:19.
Profound irony: they labeled Jesus a deceiver while plotting deception (v. 64, 'lest his disciples...steal him'). They called the Truth a liar. Yet their accurate memory of his 'three days' claim testifies unintentionally to its importance. The religious establishment felt threatened by a dead man's promise—revealing they secretly feared he might fulfill it. Truth haunts those who suppress it.