What does Matthew 27:66 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 27:66 speaks of the actions taken by the authorities to secure the tomb of Jesus after his crucifixion and burial.

The religious leaders and Pilate were concerned that the disciples would steal Jesus' body and claim He had risen from the dead, as Jesus had predicted His resurrection.

To prevent this, they sealed the stone that closed the tomb's entrance and placed guards to watch over it.

The literal meaning is clear: they wanted to make sure the body remained in the tomb.

The deeper meaning suggests that despite these precautions, what was to come, the Resurrection, was beyond human control and would fulfill Jesus' prophecy, demonstrating His divinity.

Historical Context

The verse occurs in the context of Jesus' crucifixion and burial in the first century Roman province of Judea.

During this time, it was common for tombs to be sealed with a stone.

The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, had pressured Pilate to execute Jesus, fearing that His ministry threatened the status quo.

The historical practice of setting a watch would involve Roman soldiers ensuring that no tampering occurred.

The seal on the stone likely was a cord or wax that would show evidence of disturbance, indicating the official nature of the Roman involvement.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underscores the human attempt to prevent the divine plan from unfolding, highlighting the ultimate triumph of Jesus' resurrection.

The sealing of the tomb and posting of the guard may be seen as elements of divine foreknowledge and providence, setting the stage for the miracle that would be undeniable proof of Jesus' claims and divinity.

Different denominations may emphasize different aspects; for example, an apologetical viewpoint might use these actions as proof of the Resurrection's historical reality, since the authorities took steps to prevent a hoax.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, this verse can remind individuals about the futility of attempting to counteract the divine will.

It speaks to the importance of faith and trust in a higher plan, even when human actions seem to be prevailing against it.

For believers today, it may also serve as a call to be vigilant against actions that seek to suppress truth or distort reality for personal or institutional gain.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:2-4: Describes the earthquake and the angel rolling back the stone despite the guards' watch.
• Daniel 6:17: A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den (where Daniel was thrown), and it was sealed, similar to Jesus' tomb.
• Acts 4:27-28: Discusses the predestined plan of God, despite human actions.

Language Study

Key terms in this verse include:

• "Sepulchre" (τάφος, "taphos" in Greek): Means tomb or grave, a place of burial.
• "Sure" (ἀσφαλίζω, "asphalizo" in Greek): To make secure or certain, often used in a legal sense.
• "Sealing" (σφραγίζω, "sphragizo" in Greek): To seal or mark as a means of authentication or protection.
• "Watch" (κουστωδία, "koustodia" in Greek): This term refers to a guard or watch, specifically a Roman military guard.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the guarding or sealing of a tomb was a common practice, reflecting concerns about grave robbery or tampering.

The Egyptian practice of sealing and guarding tombs is well-known, especially in the context of the Pyramids and the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

In religious comparisons, one can draw parallels to other stories of divine figures whose bodies are treated with great concern after death, such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the detail of guards at the tomb could be seen as reinforcing the historicity of the events since it corresponds with Roman military practices.

The sealing and guarding can also be discussed in terms of forensic evidence; if Jesus' body had vanished in spite of these measures, it would eliminate natural explanations for the empty tomb, assuming historical accuracy.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars offer insights into this verse:

• William Barclay notes the irony that the Jewish leaders remembered Jesus' prophecy of resurrection when the disciples themselves had not.
• Craig S.

Keener, in his commentary, points to the extreme measures as indicative of the authorities' fear of Jesus' influence continuing after His death.

• R.T.

France discusses how the actions of the Jewish leaders in sealing the tomb inadvertently provide supporting evidence for the Resurrection by establishing that the tomb was secure.