Matthew 27:62-66

Expanded Bible

The Tomb of Jesus Is Guarded

⁶² The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the ·leading [^Tchief] priests and the Pharisees ·went to [assembled/gathered before] Pilate. ⁶³ They said, “Sir, we remember that while that ·liar [deceiver; impostor] was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be ·guarded closely [secured; sealed] till the third day. Otherwise, his ·followers [disciples] might come and steal the body and tell people that he has risen from the dead. ·That lie [^LThe last deception] would be even worse than the first one.”

⁶⁵ Pilate said, “·Take some soldiers [or You have a guard; ^Cthe phrase could mean Pilate sends Roman soldiers or that the leaders should use their own temple police] and go ·guard [secure] the tomb the best way you know.” ⁶⁶ So they all went to the tomb and ·made it safe from thieves [secured it] ·by sealing [or by placing a wax seal on] the stone in the entrance and putting soldiers there to guard it.