New Testament

Matthew 27:66

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the religious leaders took precautions to ensure that Jesus' body would not be stolen from the tomb after his crucifixion.

Author: Matthew the apostle
Written: Around AD 60-70
Genre: Gospel
Original Audience: Jewish Christians

CBTClear Bible Translation

So they went, sealed the stone, and posted the guard to secure the tomb.

KJVKing James Version

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the religious leaders took precautions to ensure that Jesus' body would not be stolen from the tomb after his crucifixion. They sealed the stone that covered the entrance and stationed guards to watch over it. This action reflects their fear that Jesus' followers might claim he had risen from the dead, which they believed would lead to greater trouble for them. The sealing of the stone was a physical barrier, while the guards represented a human effort to prevent any tampering with the tomb. This moment highlights the lengths to which the leaders would go to maintain control over the narrative surrounding Jesus' death and to suppress any potential claims of resurrection. Their actions ultimately set the stage for the miraculous event of the resurrection, which would challenge their authority and beliefs.

Key themes

Religious authority

Related Bible verses

How to apply Matthew 27:66 to your life

This verse reminds us of the lengths people will go to protect their beliefs and maintain control. In our lives, we should reflect on what barriers we might be placing around our faith. Are we open to the unexpected, or do we try to seal ourselves off from new truths?

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 27:66 mean?

Matthew 27:66 describes how the religious leaders took measures to secure Jesus' tomb after his crucifixion. They sealed the stone and posted guards to prevent any possibility of his body being stolen, reflecting their fear of a resurrection claim.

What is the significance of sealing the tomb in Matthew 27:66?

Sealing the tomb in Matthew 27:66 symbolizes the religious leaders' attempt to control the narrative surrounding Jesus' death. It represents their fear of losing authority and the lengths they would go to prevent any claims of resurrection.

Why did they post guards at the tomb in Matthew 27:66?

The guards were posted at the tomb to ensure that Jesus' body would not be stolen by his followers. This action highlights the leaders' concern that a resurrection claim would lead to greater unrest and challenge their power.

What does the phrase 'made the sepulchre sure' mean in Matthew 27:66?

The phrase 'made the sepulchre sure' means that the religious leaders took steps to secure the tomb, ensuring that it was sealed and guarded to prevent any tampering with Jesus' body.

Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ is on this wise: His mother Mary is espoused to Joseph, but before they come together, she is found with child of the Holy Ghost. Joseph, being a just man and not willing to make her a publick example, is minded to put her away privily. But while he thinks on these things, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, saying, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The angel saith she shall bring forth a son, and Joseph shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins. Joseph, being raised from sleep, does as the angel had bidden him and takes unto him his wife, but knows her not till she has brought forth her firstborn son. Matthew 2: The Wise Men and the Flight to Egypt When Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there come wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king hears these things, he is troubled. He gathers the chief priests and scribes and demands of them where Christ should be born. They say unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea. Herod privily calls the wise men and sends them to Bethlehem to search for the young child, telling them to bring him word again, that he may come and worship him also. The star goes before them until it stands over where the young child is. They rejoice, and entering the house, they see the young child with Mary his mother, and fall down and worship him, presenting him with gifts. Being warned of God in a dream not to return to Herod, they depart into their own country another way.

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