Mark 15:45

KJV

And when he knew [it] of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he knew {G1097} it of {G575} the centurion {G2760}, he gave {G1433} the body {G4983} to Joseph {G2501}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After he had gotten confirmation from the officer that Yeshua was dead, he granted Yosef the corpse.

Berean Standard Bible

When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

American Standard Version

And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:45 details Pontius Pilate's confirmation of Jesus' death through the centurion overseeing the crucifixion, leading to the release of Jesus' body to Joseph of Arimathea for burial. This pivotal moment ensures the proper handling of Jesus' remains, underscoring the authenticity of His death and setting the stage for His resurrection, all while highlighting the courageous faith of Joseph in a hostile environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Jesus' crucifixion and death in [Mark 15:21-41](/mark/15-21-41 "Mark 15:21-41 - The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus"). Specifically, [Mark 15:37](/mark/15-37 "Mark 15:37 - Jesus' Final Breath") records Jesus' final breath, and [Mark 15:39](/mark/15-39 "Mark 15:39 - The Centurion's Confession") captures the centurion's profound confession, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" Joseph of Arimathea's courageous request for Jesus' body is detailed in [Mark 15:43](/mark/15-43 "Mark 15:43 - Joseph of Arimathea's Bold Request"), and Pilate's surprise at Jesus' swift death is noted in [Mark 15:44](/mark/15-44 "Mark 15:44 - Pilate's Surprise"). Thus, Mark 15:45 serves as the crucial administrative step that allows for the burial, bridging the narrative from Jesus' death to His entombment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal, slow form of execution, often taking days for the victim to die. It was customary for the bodies of crucified criminals to be left on the cross as a public deterrent or thrown into a common grave. Jewish law, however, mandated that bodies not remain unburied overnight, especially before a Sabbath or high holy day ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial Mandate")). Given that the next day was the Sabbath (and Passover), a quick burial was imperative. Pontius Pilate, as the Roman governor, held absolute authority over capital punishment and the disposition of bodies. A centurion, a seasoned Roman officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers, was a highly reliable witness, and his official confirmation of death was standard procedure for Pilate before releasing a body, especially one as politically charged as Jesus'.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel. First, it reinforces the **authenticity and certainty of Jesus' death**, a foundational truth for the subsequent resurrection. The centurion's official confirmation leaves no room for doubt about Jesus' physical demise. Second, it highlights the **courage and piety of Joseph of Arimathea**, a secret disciple who, despite his prominent position on the Jewish council, risked everything to honor Jesus ([Mark 15:43](/mark/15-43 "Mark 15:43 - Joseph's Boldness")). His actions fulfill the prophetic word that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death" ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial")). Third, it subtly points to **divine providence**, demonstrating how God's plan unfolded even in the darkest hours of the crucifixion, ensuring a proper burial for His Son, despite the ignominy of the cross.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. Here, it implies Pilate's thorough understanding and verification of the centurion's report regarding Jesus' death. It's an authoritative recognition, crucial for the legal release of the body.
* **gave (Greek, _dōréomai'_):** Derived from the word for "gift," this verb means "to bestow gratuitously" or "to give as a gift." Pilate's action is presented as a granting or bestowing of the body, emphasizing his authority in the matter and the fact that Joseph's request was granted as an act of permission.
* **body (Greek, _sōma'_):** This term refers to the physical body, a sound whole. In this context, it unequivocally denotes the deceased physical form of Jesus, emphasizing the reality of His death and the tangible object that would be laid in the tomb, a crucial element for the truth of the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he knew it of the centurion":** This clause describes Pilate's authoritative verification. Pilate, having been surprised by the swiftness of Jesus' death (Mark 15:44), sought official confirmation from the most reliable source available—the centurion who had overseen the entire crucifixion. The centurion's testimony was not merely an opinion but an official report from a professional military officer, whose word carried significant weight and ensured the legal and medical certainty of Jesus' death.
* **"he gave the body to Joseph.":** Upon receiving the centurion's conclusive report, Pilate granted Joseph of Arimathea's request. This act of "giving" signifies Pilate's legal release of the body into Joseph's custody. It underscores Joseph's successful petition and his responsibility for the proper burial, which was a significant act of devotion and courage given the circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several literary devices in this brief verse. The most prominent is **Confirmation**, where the centurion's report serves to definitively establish the reality of Jesus' death. This is crucial for the theological narrative, precluding any later claims that Jesus merely swooned or survived the crucifixion. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Pilate, who condemned Jesus to death, is now the one who officially facilitates His burial, albeit at the request of a secret disciple. Furthermore, the quick succession of events—Jesus' death, Pilate's surprise, the centurion's confirmation, and the body's release—creates a sense of **Expediency** and urgency, reflecting the impending Sabbath and the need for a swift burial.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:45, though seemingly a simple administrative detail, holds profound theological significance. It meticulously establishes the certainty of Jesus' death, a non-negotiable prerequisite for the truth of His resurrection. Without a verified death, the resurrection would lose its power and meaning. The centurion's independent, professional confirmation, coming from a Roman officer who had just witnessed Jesus' final moments and declared Him "the Son of God," adds an undeniable layer of credibility. This verse thus safeguards the integrity of the Gospel message, ensuring that the subsequent accounts of the empty tomb and appearances are grounded in the historical reality of Jesus' physical demise. It also highlights the divine orchestration of events, as even in death, God's plan unfolds, ensuring a proper burial for His Son through the courageous act of Joseph of Arimathea.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial Prophecy")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel's Core: Death, Burial, Resurrection")
* [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "John 19:38-42 - Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, often overlooked in the grand narrative of the crucifixion, offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. Joseph of Arimathea's bold request, made at great personal risk, reminds us that genuine faith often demands courageous action, even when it means standing against the prevailing tide or risking social standing. His willingness to identify with a condemned criminal, even in death, exemplifies true discipleship that extends beyond public acclamation to quiet, sacrificial service. For us, this means being willing to act on our convictions, to care for those marginalized or despised by society, and to honor God's purposes even when circumstances seem bleak or dangerous. Furthermore, the meticulous confirmation of Jesus' death underscores the historical reliability of the Gospel. In a world often skeptical of truth claims, this detail strengthens our confidence in the foundational facts of our faith: that Jesus truly died, was buried, and rose again, offering us hope and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to display the kind of courage Joseph of Arimathea demonstrated?**
* **How does the certainty of Jesus' death, confirmed by an unlikely source, strengthen your faith in His resurrection and the Gospel message?**
* **What practical steps can you take to honor God's purposes, even in challenging or seemingly hopeless situations?**

### FAQ

**Why was the centurion's confirmation of Jesus' death so important?**

Answer: The centurion's confirmation was crucial for several reasons. First, it provided official, military-grade verification of Jesus' death, leaving no room for doubt or later claims that Jesus merely swooned or survived the crucifixion. Roman crucifixions were notoriously slow, and Pilate was surprised by Jesus' swift demise ([Mark 15:44](/mark/15-44 "Mark 15:44 - Pilate's Surprise")). The centurion, as the officer in charge, was the most credible witness. Second, this confirmation was necessary for Pilate to legally release Jesus' body for burial. Without it, the body would likely have been disposed of in a common grave or left on the cross, violating Jewish burial customs before the Sabbath ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial Mandate")). The certainty of Jesus' death is a foundational truth for the Christian faith, as it underscores the reality of His sacrifice and the power of His subsequent resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel's Core")).

**Who was Joseph of Arimathea, and why was his role significant?**

Answer: Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council ([Mark 15:43](/mark/15-43 "Mark 15:43 - Joseph's Profile")). He was a secret disciple of Jesus, "waiting for the kingdom of God." His role was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, he displayed immense courage by boldly approaching Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body. This act was dangerous, as it publicly associated him with a condemned criminal and could have jeopardized his reputation, standing, and even his life. Second, his wealth and influence allowed for a proper burial in his own new tomb ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57-60 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph of Arimathea")), fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial with the Rich") that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." His actions ensured that Jesus' body was treated with dignity and respect, rather than being discarded, and provided the necessary context for the resurrection narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:45, though a detail of Jesus' burial, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The meticulous confirmation of Jesus' death by the centurion, followed by Pilate's release of the body, underscores the absolute reality of the Incarnate Son's physical demise. This is not merely a historical footnote but a theological bedrock. The very purpose of Christ's coming was to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin, and a real death was essential for a real atonement ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")). His burial, facilitated by Joseph of Arimathea, signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and the full extent of His descent into human experience, including death itself ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This verified death and burial are the necessary precursors to the glorious truth of the resurrection. The tomb, though sealed, would not hold Him, for Christ's power over death and the grave was soon to be revealed ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him From the Dead")). Thus, this verse, by confirming the end of His earthly life, powerfully anticipates the beginning of His resurrected life, which is the cornerstone of Christian hope and the ultimate victory over sin and death ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life") and [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:58

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

John 19:38

¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.