Matthew 27:66
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορευθέντες
they went
G4198
πορευθέντες
they went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
3 of 12
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σφραγίσαντες
sealing
G4972
σφραγίσαντες
sealing
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
7 of 12
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
and setting
G3326
μετὰ
and setting
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Historical Context
After Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus on Friday evening, the Sanhedrin waited until after Sabbath ended to approach Pilate (Matthew 27:62-64). This was likely Saturday evening or early Sunday. Roman tomb sealing involved cord across the stone secured with clay impressed with official seals. Breaking such seals was a capital offense. The guard detail would have been posted overnight, which makes the timing of the resurrection (before dawn Sunday) even more significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does human opposition to God's purposes often end up confirming them instead of thwarting them?
- What 'sealed tombs' in your life might God be preparing to open with resurrection power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch (ἐσφαλίσαντο τὸν τάφον σφραγίσαντες τὸν λίθον)—The religious authorities took unprecedented precautions against resurrection. The verb esphalisanto (ἐσφαλίσαντο) means 'they secured/made safe,' while sphragisantes (σφραγίσαντες) indicates official sealing, likely with wax and the Roman imperial seal. The koustōdian (κουστωδίαν, Latin custodia) was a quaternion of Roman soldiers (4-16 men) whose lives would be forfeit if the body disappeared.
Ironically, their efforts to prevent the resurrection proclamation became its strongest evidence—they themselves testified the tomb was secure, the body was there, and no human theft was possible. Their precautions fulfilled Psalm 2:1-4: the rulers 'take counsel together against the LORD' while 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.' Rome's seal could not hold the Author of Life.