Matthew 27:65
Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἔχετε
Ye have
G2192
Ἔχετε
Ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 11
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὑπάγετε
go your way
G5217
ὑπάγετε
go your way
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
8 of 11
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Temple guards were crack Roman troops. Their assignment to tomb duty was unusual—showing the leaders' influence with Pilate and their genuine fear. The seal and guard remained until Sunday morning when the earthquake and angel appeared (28:2-4). The soldiers' later testimony of being bribed (28:11-15) appears in Matthew alone, exposing the cover-up.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'security measures' do we try to erect against God's will for our lives?
- How does the failure of maximum human security to prevent resurrection strengthen your faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye have a watch (ἔχετε κουστωδίαν)—Pilate granted their request, assigning Roman temple guards (koustodia, a Latin loanword). His dismissive go your way, make it as sure as ye can (ὑπάγετε ἀσφαλίσασθε ὡς οἴδατε) drips with irony: 'secure it as best you know how.' Pilate saw through their fear—a dead man needs no guard.
The phrase 'as ye can' acknowledges human limitation. They would deploy maximum security: stone, seal, soldiers. Yet all human safeguards proved powerless against divine power. The secured tomb became God's set stage: when Jesus rose despite every precaution, only supernatural resurrection could explain it. The guard's testimony (28:11-15) confirmed they couldn't stop him—they could only be bribed to lie about it. Human effort cannot prevent God's purposes.