New Testament
Matthew 27:66
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So they went, sealed the stone, and posted the guard to secure the tomb.
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So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
What Matthew 27:66 means
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.
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?
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Matthew 27:57–66)
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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.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 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.
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