Keraia
Mark 15

Mark 15:44

The Burial of Jesus · Mark 15:42–47
Read Mark 15

Translations

Modern
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.
Traditional
And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Literal
And Pilate wondered if already He was dead. And having summoned the centurion, he inquired of him whether He was dead already.
Latin
Pilatus autem mirabatur si jam obiisset. Et accersito centurione, interrogavit eum si jam mortuus esset.

Original

Greek
English
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.

Notes

Mark 15:43–45

Joseph of Arimathea: He was possibly from Ramathaim, a village about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Jerusalem. A respected member of the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin), he was also a secret follower of Jesus. He was waiting for the kingdom of God to come (see Matthew 27:57; Luke 23:50–51; John 19:38). He bravely asked Pilate for the body of Jesus so he could bury it.

As a prominent Council member who was not known as a disciple, his request supported Rome's interests. This addressed Jewish concerns about leaving the dead exposed after sunset (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). It also prevented the disciples of Jesus from receiving the body.

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate Women Named Mary

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 53:9–12 Matthew 27:57–61 Luke 23:50–56 John 19:38–42

People

Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Centurion Gospel Mark, Gospel of Mary Passion

Topics

Centurion: A Commander of Approximately One-Hundred Soldiers in the Roman Army Jesus, the Christ: Taken Down from the Cross and Buried (Just Outside Jerusalem) Joseph: of Arimathaea: Begs for the Body of Jesus for Burial in his own Tomb Pontius Pilate: Allows Joseph of Arimathaea to Take Jesus' Body