New Testament
Matthew 27:62
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The next day — the day after Preparation Day — the chief priests and Pharisees went together to Pilate.
Compare translations
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
What Matthew 27:62 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse takes place after the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the actions of the religious leaders. The "day after Preparation Day" refers to the Sabbath, a day of rest for the Jewish people. The chief priests and Pharisees, who were part of the Jewish ruling council, gathered to discuss their concerns about Jesus' body. They were worried that his disciples might steal the body and claim he had risen from the dead, which would undermine their authority and the narrative they had created around Jesus' death. Their meeting with Pilate, the Roman governor, indicates their desire to secure a guard for the tomb, showing their determination to prevent any potential resurrection claims. This moment underscores the tension between the religious leaders and the followers of Jesus, setting the stage for the events that follow, including the resurrection. It reflects the lengths to which the leaders would go to maintain control and suppress the truth they feared would disrupt their power.
How to apply Matthew 27:62 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of addressing our fears and doubts directly. Just as the chief priests and Pharisees took action based on their concerns, we should confront our uncertainties with faith and seek guidance in our decisions, trusting in God's plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Matthew 27:57–66)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 27:62
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 27:62
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 'Preparation Day' mean in Matthew 27:62?
'Preparation Day' refers to the day before the Sabbath, when the Jewish people prepared for their day of rest. In the context of Matthew 27:62, it indicates the day after Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the urgency of the religious leaders' actions as they sought to secure the tomb of Jesus before the Sabbath began.
Why did the chief priests and Pharisees go to Pilate?
The chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate to express their concerns about Jesus' body. They feared that his disciples might steal the body and claim he had risen from the dead, which would undermine their authority and the narrative surrounding Jesus' death. Their meeting with Pilate was an attempt to prevent any potential resurrection claims.
What can we learn from the actions of the religious leaders in this verse?
The actions of the religious leaders in Matthew 27:62 illustrate the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their authority and control. It serves as a reminder to confront our fears and uncertainties directly, rather than allowing them to dictate our actions. We can learn the importance of seeking truth and guidance in our decisions, rather than succumbing to fear.
How does this verse relate to the resurrection of Jesus?
Matthew 27:62 sets the stage for the resurrection by showcasing the fear and concern of the religious leaders regarding Jesus' potential return. Their efforts to secure the tomb highlight the significance of the resurrection event, as it directly challenges their authority and the narrative they had constructed around Jesus' death.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.