Matthew 27:54

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Now {G1161} when the centurion {G1543}, and {G2532} they that were with {G3326} him {G846}, watching {G5083} Jesus {G2424}, saw {G1492} the earthquake {G4578}, and {G2532} those things that were done {G1096}, they feared {G5399} greatly {G4970}, saying {G3004}, Truly {G230} this {G3778} was {G2258} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

When the Roman officer and those with him who were keeping watch over Yeshua saw the earthquake and what was happening, they were awestruck and said, "He really was a son of God."

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Commentary

Matthew 27:54 captures a pivotal moment immediately following the death of Jesus on the cross, as even His Roman executioners are compelled to acknowledge His divine identity.

Context

This verse concludes a series of astonishing supernatural events that accompanied the crucifixion of Jesus. Prior to this, the land had been covered in darkness from noon until three in the afternoon, the veil of the temple was torn in two, and the earth quaked, splitting rocks and opening tombs. The centurion and the soldiers under his command were assigned to guard Jesus and oversee His execution, likely having a hardened perspective on such events. However, the sheer magnitude and sequence of these divine manifestations shattered their indifference, leading to a profound realization.

Key Themes

  • Supernatural Confirmation of Jesus' Identity: God Himself attests to Jesus' sonship through powerful, undeniable signs, demonstrating that His death was not a mere human execution but a divine event.
  • Confession from Unexpected Sources: It is remarkable that pagan Roman soldiers, who were instruments of His death, became the first witnesses at the cross to publicly declare Jesus as "the Son of God." This highlights the universal reach of God's truth.
  • Fear and Awe: The soldiers' "great fear" (Greek: ephobēthēsan sphodra) was not just terror but a profound sense of awe and reverence in the face of overwhelming divine power and holiness.
  • The Power of Witness: Even those who scorned and mocked Jesus were confronted with irrefutable evidence of His divine nature, illustrating how God can break through human skepticism.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of God" (Greek: huios theou) is significant. For the Roman centurion, this might have initially carried a different connotation than for a Jew—perhaps suggesting a divinely favored hero or even a deified emperor. However, in the context of the earthquake and the other cosmic disturbances, their declaration takes on a profound theological weight, recognizing Jesus as a truly divine being, far beyond any human emperor or hero. Their fear indicates a realization of His true, supernatural identity and power.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God reveals Himself in unmistakable ways to those who are open to seeing. It challenges us to consider our own response to the evidence of Jesus' divinity. Just as the centurion and his soldiers were compelled to acknowledge the truth despite their role in the crucifixion, we too are called to examine our hearts and respond to the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. No heart is too hardened for God's truth to penetrate, and His power can transform even the most cynical observer into a worshipper.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Matthew 27:36

    And sitting down they watched him there;

  • Matthew 27:43

    He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

  • Luke 23:47

    Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

  • Luke 23:49

    And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

  • Acts 27:1

    ¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

  • Acts 21:32

    Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
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