Matthew 27:60

KJV

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} laid {G5087} it {G846} in {G1722} his own {G846} new {G2537} tomb {G3419}, which {G3739} he had hewn out {G2998} in {G1722} the rock {G4073}: and {G2532} he rolled {G4351} a great {G3173} stone {G3037} to the door {G2374} of the sepulchre {G3419}, and departed {G565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and laid it in his own tomb, which he had recently had cut out of the rock. After rolling a large stone in front of the entrance to the tomb, he went away.

Berean Standard Bible

and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.

American Standard Version

and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:60 meticulously details the burial of Jesus Christ in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. This verse highlights the secure and permanent nature of the burial site—a tomb hewn out of solid rock and sealed with a massive stone—underscoring the undeniable reality of Jesus' death and providing a crucial foundation for the miraculous event of His resurrection. It also subtly emphasizes the courageous and devoted act of Joseph, a wealthy disciple, in providing a dignified resting place for his Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, as recorded in [Matthew 27:50-56](/matthew/27-50-56 "Matthew 27:50-56 - The Death of Jesus"). The preceding verses describe the cosmic signs accompanying His death (darkness, earthquake, torn temple veil) and the confession of the centurion. [Matthew 27:57-59](/matthew/27-57-59 "Matthew 27:57-59 - Joseph of Arimathea's Request") introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and disciple, who boldly requests Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate. Verse 60 then describes the actual placement of the body in the tomb and its sealing. This precise detailing of the burial sets the stage for the subsequent accounts of the tomb being guarded ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")) and the climactic resurrection on the third day, making the security of the tomb a pivotal element in the narrative's integrity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial customs in the 1st century required a body to be buried quickly, typically on the day of death, especially before sundown, as the Sabbath was approaching (Passover Sabbath in this case). Wealthy individuals often prepared rock-cut tombs, which were more permanent and secure than simple graves dug in the earth. These tombs were frequently carved into hillsides, featuring an entrance that could be sealed with a large, circular stone rolled into a groove. The "new tomb" aspect is significant; a tomb that had never been used before would prevent any confusion regarding whose body was interred there, further validating the unique nature of Jesus' burial. Joseph of Arimathea's act was culturally risky, as touching a dead body made one ceremonially unclean, and associating with a crucified criminal could bring social and political repercussions, especially for a prominent member of the Sanhedrin.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:60 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Authenticity and Finality of Jesus' Death**, providing irrefutable evidence that Jesus truly died, which is foundational for understanding the power of His subsequent resurrection. The meticulous description of the tomb's security—"hewn out in the rock" and sealed with a "great stone"—preempts any claims that Jesus merely swooned or that His body was stolen, solidifying the miraculous nature of the empty tomb described in [Matthew 28:1-7](/matthew/28-1-7 "Matthew 28:1-7 - The Resurrection of Jesus"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - His Grave with the Rich"), which foretold that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, providing his own new tomb, directly fulfills this ancient prediction. Lastly, it showcases **Joseph's Courage and Devotion**, as he risked his reputation and position to honor Jesus' body, demonstrating profound faith in a moment when most disciples had fled or were in despair, echoing the call to discipleship found throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This word denotes something new in quality, freshness, or character, rather than merely new in time (for which the Greek word _neos_ would be used). The "new tomb" implies a tomb that is pristine, unused, and therefore unstained by previous burials. This purity and uniqueness are significant, ensuring that Jesus' body was the only one ever laid there, which would be crucial for verifying the resurrection. It also subtly hints at the "newness" that Christ's death and resurrection would bring to humanity.
* **hewn out (Greek, _latoméō'_):** Derived from the concept of quarrying, this verb specifically means to cut or carve out of rock. This detail emphasizes that the tomb was not a simple grave dug in the earth, but a substantial, permanent structure meticulously crafted from solid stone. Such tombs were costly and typically reserved for the wealthy, signifying Joseph's status and the dignity afforded to Jesus' burial. The act of "hewing" also speaks to the effort and permanence involved, reinforcing the security of the burial.
* **rock (Greek, _pétra'_):** This term refers to a large mass of rock, a cliff, or bedrock, as opposed to a loose stone (_lithos_). The tomb being "hewn out in the rock" signifies its immovability, solidity, and natural security. This unyielding material provided an unassailable barrier, making any unauthorized entry or removal of the body virtually impossible without significant effort and noise. The "rock" thus serves as a powerful symbol of the tomb's integrity, which in turn authenticates the miraculous nature of the resurrection when the body is no longer found within.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And laid it in his own new tomb,"**: This phrase describes the act of placing Jesus' body in the sepulchre. The emphasis on "his own" highlights Joseph of Arimathea's personal sacrifice and devotion, as he provided a burial place specifically prepared for himself. The "new tomb" signifies its pristine, unused condition, ensuring that no other body had ever rested there, thus removing any ambiguity about the identity of the resurrected one.
* **"which he had hewn out in the rock:"**: This clause specifies the construction and nature of the tomb. It was not a simple grave but a substantial, permanent structure carved directly into solid rock. This detail underscores the tomb's security and permanence, a typical burial practice for the wealthy, further confirming the dignity and finality of Jesus' burial.
* **"and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre,"**: This action describes the sealing of the tomb. The "great stone" (Greek: _megas lithos_) indicates a stone of considerable size and weight, requiring significant effort to move. This act served as a final measure of security, preventing entry or exit and ensuring the body remained undisturbed until the Sabbath had passed. It also sets up the dramatic reversal of the resurrection, where this seemingly immovable obstacle is effortlessly displaced by divine power.
* **"and departed."**: This simple phrase marks the completion of the burial process. Joseph's task was done. The departure signifies the apparent finality of Jesus' death and burial, as the disciples and followers were left to mourn, unaware of the glorious triumph that was to come.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:60 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and significance. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, particularly on the security and finality of Jesus' burial. Phrases like "hewn out in the rock" and "great stone" are not mere descriptive details; they serve to underscore the impossibility of human intervention in the tomb's contents, thereby magnifying the miracle of the resurrection. This emphasis creates a dramatic tension, as the seemingly impenetrable tomb will soon be revealed as empty. There is also an element of **Irony** in the meticulous sealing of the tomb. Human efforts to secure the grave and prevent any potential deception unwittingly serve to authenticate the resurrection, as the very measures taken to ensure Jesus' body remained inside only highlight the divine power that caused it to disappear. Furthermore, the "new tomb" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing purity and separation, fitting for the sinless Lamb of God. It also subtly foreshadows the "new creation" and "new life" that would emerge from Christ's death and resurrection, making the tomb a paradoxical womb of new beginnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:60, in its detailed account of Jesus' burial, is profoundly significant for Christian theology. It establishes the undeniable reality of Jesus' death, a prerequisite for the resurrection and the atoning work of Christ. The secure, rock-hewn tomb and the great stone ensure that no one could claim Jesus merely swooned or that His body was stolen, thus validating the miraculous nature of the empty tomb and the subsequent resurrection. This fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His word, even in moments of apparent defeat. The burial also signifies Christ's descent into death, fully experiencing the human condition, before His triumphant ascent. It is a vital link in the chain of events that constitutes the Gospel message, confirming that the One who died for our sins was truly buried and truly rose again, offering hope for our own resurrection and new life.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - His Grave with the Rich")
* [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ through Baptism")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The burial of Jesus, as described in Matthew 27:60, serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound darkness and apparent finality, God's sovereign plan is meticulously unfolding. Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act, providing his own new tomb, exemplifies selfless devotion and faith that acts boldly even when it is unpopular or risky. His willingness to identify with a crucified criminal, risking his social standing and ritual purity, challenges believers today to consider the cost of discipleship and the importance of honoring Christ publicly, even in the face of societal disapproval. This verse also underscores the essential truth that the reality of Christ's death is foundational to the power of His resurrection. Without a real death, there could be no real victory over sin and death, and thus no hope for our own new life in Him. It invites us to trust in God's ultimate victory, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that what appears to be an end is often just a pause before a glorious new beginning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph of Arimathea's courage in burying Jesus challenge my own willingness to identify with Christ in difficult or unpopular circumstances?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of Jesus' burial in a secure tomb teach me about the certainty of His death and the subsequent power of His resurrection?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's plan, even when circumstances feel final or hopeless, much like the disciples must have felt at Jesus' burial?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important that Jesus was buried in a "new tomb"?**
Answer: The fact that Jesus was buried in a "new tomb" that had never been used before ([Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Jesus' Burial in a New Tomb")) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured there could be no confusion about whose body was missing when the tomb was found empty. If other bodies had been present, skeptics could have claimed that the wrong body was taken or that Jesus' body was simply misplaced among others. Secondly, the "newness" of the tomb, in a symbolic sense, aligns with the purity of Christ, who was without sin, and foreshadows the new creation and new life that His resurrection would bring. It emphasizes the uniqueness of His burial and resurrection.

**What was the significance of rolling a "great stone" to the door of the sepulchre?**
Answer: The "great stone" ([Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - The Great Stone Sealing the Tomb")) served as a heavy, formidable seal for the tomb's entrance. Its size and weight would have made it extremely difficult for a few individuals to move, thus ensuring the security of the burial site. This detail is crucial because it highlights the impossibility of the disciples stealing the body, as later falsely claimed by the Jewish authorities ([Matthew 28:11-15](/matthew/28-11-15 "Matthew 28:11-15 - The Soldiers' Report")). The presence of such a large stone, combined with the Roman guard placed at the tomb ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")), provides irrefutable evidence that Jesus' resurrection was a supernatural event, as only divine power could have caused the stone to be rolled away ([Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Angel Rolls Away the Stone")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:60, describing the burial of Jesus, is not merely a historical detail but a pivotal moment in the Christ-centered narrative of redemption. The burial confirms the reality of Christ's death, which is indispensable for the efficacy of His atonement. Just as the grain of wheat must fall into the earth and die to bear much fruit ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")), so Christ's burial signifies His complete descent into death, conquering it from within. His placement in a "new tomb" ([Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Burial in a New Tomb")) foreshadows the new life and new covenant He inaugurates, where believers are "buried with him by baptism into death" so that they "might walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). The sealed tomb, seemingly a sign of finality, becomes the stage for the greatest divine intervention, proving Christ's victory over death and the grave. The empty tomb, a direct consequence of this burial, is the ultimate proof that Jesus is indeed the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. Thus, the burial is not an end, but the essential prelude to Christ's glorious triumph and the promise of eternal life for all humanity.

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

Isaiah 53:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:66

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Matthew 28:2

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

John 20:1

¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Mark 16:3

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:4

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.