Matthew 27:54

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:54 records a profound moment immediately following the crucifixion, where the Roman centurion and his soldiers, witnessing the cataclysmic events surrounding Jesus' death—the earthquake and other supernatural occurrences—are overcome with great fear and compelled to confess, "Truly this was the Son of God." This unexpected declaration from pagan executioners underscores the undeniable divine attestation to Jesus' identity, even in His moment of apparent weakness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of a series of extraordinary supernatural phenomena that accompany Jesus' death on the cross, beginning in [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"). Prior to this confession, the land was plunged into a mysterious darkness from noon until three in the afternoon, followed by Jesus' final cry and death. Immediately upon His death, the [veil of the temple was torn in two](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil"), the earth quaked violently, rocks were split, and tombs were opened, with many saints being raised from the dead. These events are presented by Matthew as divine affirmations of Jesus' identity and the cosmic significance of His sacrifice, culminating in the centurion's confession. The narrative then shifts to the burial of Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the continued divine oversight even in death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The centurion was a Roman military officer commanding a hundred men, a figure of authority, discipline, and often, callousness in the execution of duties. Roman soldiers, particularly those involved in crucifixions, were accustomed to death and suffering, often viewing it with indifference or even cruelty. Their polytheistic worldview would have included various gods and demigods, but the concept of a "Son of God" in the Jewish sense (a unique, divine Messiah) would have been alien to them. However, Romans also believed in omens and divine signs. The earthquake and other disturbances would have been interpreted as powerful manifestations of divine wrath or intervention, shaking their pagan sensibilities and forcing them to confront a power greater than any they knew, including their own emperors who were sometimes deified. This context makes their confession all the more remarkable, as it transcends their cultural understanding and professional detachment.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:54 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Supernatural Confirmation of Jesus' Identity**, demonstrating that God Himself validates Jesus' divine sonship through undeniable cosmic signs. The darkness, the earthquake, and the resurrection of saints are not random occurrences but direct divine interventions attesting to who Jesus truly is, as seen in [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Voice from Heaven at Jesus' Baptism") and [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Voice from the Cloud at the Transfiguration"). Secondly, it showcases **Confession from Unexpected Sources**, as pagan Roman soldiers—instruments of Jesus' execution—become the first witnesses at the cross to publicly declare Him "the Son of God." This foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles, a theme present throughout Matthew's Gospel (e.g., [Matthew 8:10-12](/matthew/8-10-12 "Matthew 8:10-12 - Faith of the Centurion")). Thirdly, their "great fear" signifies a profound sense of **Awe and Reverence** in the face of overwhelming divine power and holiness, not merely terror. This awe is a proper response to the revelation of God's presence and power. Finally, the verse underscores the **Irrefutable Power of Witness**, illustrating how God can break through human skepticism and hardened hearts, compelling even those who mocked Jesus to acknowledge His divine nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **centurion (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** (G1543) Derived from "one hundred" and "to rule," this term denotes a Roman military officer in charge of approximately one hundred soldiers. In this context, the centurion was the officer directly responsible for the crucifixion detail. His confession is particularly significant because he represents the pagan, Gentile world and the very authority that condemned Jesus. His position implies a hardened, disciplined, and often cynical disposition, making his declaration of Jesus' divine sonship a powerful testament to the overwhelming nature of the events.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** (G1492) This verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication, "to know." In the perfect tense, as implied here, it carries the sense of having perceived and therefore understood or known. The centurion and his men did not merely observe the phenomena; they truly *saw* them in a way that led to an internal transformation and a profound realization. Their seeing was not passive but led to active comprehension and confession, indicating a deep impact beyond mere visual perception.
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** (G5399) This word means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice as here, "to be alarmed" or "to be in awe of, revere." Coupled with the adverb "greatly" (Greek, _sphódra_, G4970), which signifies "vehemently" or "in a high degree," their fear was not simply terror but a profound, overwhelming sense of awe and reverence in the face of divine power. It was a holy dread, recognizing the presence and action of God, leading to worshipful acknowledgment rather than mere flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus,"**: This opening clause establishes the subjects of the confession: the Roman centurion, the officer in charge, and his accompanying soldiers. They were specifically assigned to "watch Jesus," a duty that involved guarding Him and overseeing the crucifixion. This implies they had been present throughout the entire ordeal, witnessing His suffering, the mocking, and the supernatural events leading up to His death. Their prolonged observation makes their subsequent reaction all the more credible and impactful.
* **"saw the earthquake, and those things that were done,"**: This clause identifies the specific catalysts for their profound reaction. The "earthquake" (Greek: _seismós_) was a literal seismic event, but also a common biblical sign of divine presence or judgment (e.g., [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Quakes")). "Those things that were done" (Greek: _ginomai_) refers to the totality of the preceding supernatural occurrences: the three hours of darkness, the tearing of the temple veil, and the opening of tombs. These were not isolated incidents but a series of divinely orchestrated events that collectively pointed to something extraordinary and beyond human explanation, compelling their attention and belief.
* **"they feared greatly,"**: This phrase describes the immediate and intense emotional and spiritual response of the soldiers. As analyzed in the Key Word Analysis, their fear was not just terror but a profound sense of awe and reverence, a recognition of divine power and presence that transcended their hardened military dispositions. This "great fear" signifies a spiritual awakening, an acknowledgment of the sacred and the holy in the midst of a horrific execution.
* **"saying, Truly this was the Son of God."**: This is the climactic declaration. The word "Truly" (Greek: _alēthōs_) emphasizes the sincerity and conviction of their statement, indicating that they were genuinely convinced by the evidence. Their confession, "this was the Son of God," is a profound theological statement. While a Roman might initially interpret "Son of God" as a hero or deified emperor, the context of the cosmic disturbances suggests they recognized Jesus as a divine being in a unique and profound sense, aligning with the Jewish understanding of the Messiah's divine nature. This confession from unexpected, pagan lips serves as a powerful validation of Jesus' identity at the very moment of His death.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **Literary Devices** to heighten the impact of this pivotal verse. The most prominent is **Irony**: the very Roman soldiers who executed Jesus, representing the Gentile world and the oppressive power of the state, become the first to confess His divine sonship at the cross. This stands in stark contrast to the Jewish religious leaders who condemned Him. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the natural phenomena: the darkness, the earthquake, and the torn veil are not merely physical events but powerful symbols of God's presence, judgment, and the radical shift in the covenant. The earthquake, in particular, serves as a **Theophany**, a manifestation of God's power and presence, echoing Old Testament accounts of divine intervention. The soldiers' "great fear" is a form of **Awe**, a proper human response to such a theophany, leading to a confession that serves as a **Dramatic Climax** to the crucifixion narrative, confirming Jesus' identity from an unexpected source.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:54 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming Jesus' divine identity not through the testimony of His disciples, but through the awe-struck confession of His executioners. This unexpected declaration underscores the undeniable power of God's revelation, capable of penetrating the most hardened hearts and challenging preconceived notions. It highlights that Jesus' death was not a defeat, but a divinely orchestrated event, confirmed by cosmic signs that compelled even pagan observers to acknowledge His unique relationship with God. The centurion's confession, "Truly this was the Son of God," serves as a powerful bridge, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a core theme in Matthew's narrative. It reveals that God's truth is self-attesting, breaking through human skepticism and revealing His Son even in the darkest hour.

* [Mark 15:39](/mark/15-39 "Mark 15:39 - The Centurion's Confession in Mark")
* [Luke 23:47](/luke/23-47 "Luke 23:47 - The Centurion Glorifies God in Luke")
* [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confession of the centurion and his soldiers in Matthew 27:54 offers a powerful challenge and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that the evidence for Jesus' divinity is not confined to the faithful but is so compelling that even those hostile or indifferent to Him can be confronted with its truth. This challenges us to consider the depth of our own conviction: if hardened Roman soldiers were moved to such a declaration by witnessing the events of the cross, how much more should we, who have the full revelation of Scripture and the indwelling Spirit, be convinced of Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God? It calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, awe-filled reverence that shapes our lives. Furthermore, it offers hope for those we might deem "unreachable" – if God can break through the cynicism of a Roman centurion at the foot of the cross, He can certainly reach anyone. Our task is to faithfully bear witness, trusting that God's Spirit will open eyes and hearts to the truth of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the centurion's confession reveal about the power of God's self-revelation, even in the midst of suffering and death?**
* **How do the supernatural events surrounding the crucifixion challenge our own understanding of God's active involvement in history?**
* **In what ways might we, like the centurion, be prone to skepticism or indifference, and what "earthquakes" or divine interventions might God use to break through our hardened perspectives?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to share the Gospel, even with those we perceive as resistant or unlikely to believe?**

### FAQ

**Why is the centurion's confession so significant, given his role in the crucifixion?**

Answer: The centurion's confession is profoundly significant precisely because of his identity and role. As a Roman military officer, he represented the Gentile world, the imperial power that condemned Jesus, and a hardened, professional detachment from the suffering he oversaw. His declaration, "Truly this was the Son of God," is an unexpected and powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine identity from an external, even hostile, source. It underscores that the evidence for Jesus' unique sonship was so overwhelming—manifested through the cosmic darkness, the earthquake, and the tearing of the temple veil (see [Matthew 27:45-51](/matthew/27-45-51 "Matthew 27:45-51 - Supernatural Events at the Crucifixion"))—that it compelled even a pagan to acknowledge His divine nature. This confession foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, extending beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, a key theme in Matthew's Gospel (e.g., [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

**What did the centurion mean by "Son of God"? Did he understand it in the same way a Jew would?**

Answer: While the exact theological depth of the centurion's understanding is debated, it's unlikely he grasped the full, nuanced Jewish concept of "Son of God" as the Messiah or the second person of the Trinity. For Romans, "son of a god" or "divine son" could refer to a deified emperor, a hero, or someone divinely favored. However, given the context of the unprecedented and terrifying cosmic events—the earthquake, the darkness, the torn veil—his declaration likely transcended a mere political or heroic title. It indicates a profound recognition of Jesus' unique, supernatural power and connection to the divine, far beyond any human or even a deified emperor. He recognized Jesus as a being of immense divine authority and significance, compelling his awe and fear. His confession, though perhaps not fully articulated in Christian theological terms, was a genuine acknowledgment of Jesus' transcendent nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:54, with the centurion's confession, powerfully anticipates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. At the very moment of Jesus' death, the ultimate act of atonement, a pagan Gentile declares Him "the Son of God." This foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, demonstrating that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was not just for Israel but for all humanity, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (as seen in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The cosmic disturbances witnessed by the centurion—the darkness, the earthquake, the torn veil—are divine attestations to Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death, far from being a defeat, is revealed as the triumphant act through which God reconciles the world to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). The centurion's confession, born of awe and fear, is a prefigurement of the countless Gentiles who would come to faith in Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and demonstrating the power of the cross to transform even the hardest of hearts ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith")). Thus, this verse is a powerful declaration of Christ's cosmic lordship and the universal reach of His saving work, even at the very moment of His apparent weakness.

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

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.