Matthew 27:62

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

Now {G1161} the next day {G1887}, that {G3748} followed {G2076}{G3326} the day of the preparation {G3904}, the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} Pharisees {G5330} came together {G4863} unto {G4314} Pilate {G4091},

Next day, after the preparation, the head cohanim and the P'rushim went together to Pilate

The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate.

Now on the morrow, which is the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together unto Pilate,

Commentary

Matthew 27:62 KJV: "Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,"

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. The "day of the preparation" was Friday, the day before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42), when Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb. "The next day" is therefore the Sabbath, Saturday. While the disciples were likely in hiding and mourning, the religious leaders—the chief priests and Pharisees—were actively concerned about the implications of Jesus' claims, even in death. Their action here shows their persistent opposition and fear of the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies regarding His resurrection.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Opposition: The religious leaders' actions on the Sabbath demonstrate their unwavering hostility towards Jesus, even after His death.
  • Fear of Resurrection: Their motivation, detailed in the following verses (Matthew 27:63-64), was the fear that Jesus' disciples would steal His body and claim He had risen, fulfilling His own prediction.
  • Seeking Roman Authority: They sought intervention from the Roman governor, Pilate, whom they had just pressured into crucifying Jesus, highlighting their reliance on secular power to maintain control.
  • The Sabbath: Ironically, these leaders, who were meticulous about Sabbath observance for others, engaged in political maneuvering on the holy day.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "day of the preparation" (Greek: paraskeuē) specifically referred to Friday, the day before the Sabbath, when preparations were made for the Sabbath rest. Coming "unto Pilate" signifies their direct appeal to the highest governing authority in the region.

Reflection and Application

This verse highlights the depth of human opposition to God's plan, driven by fear and the desire to protect one's own power structures. Even seemingly defeated, Jesus' influence continued to trouble those who rejected Him. It serves as a reminder that resistance to truth can persist even in the face of overwhelming evidence. It also contrasts the rest and sorrow of the disciples on the Sabbath with the restless scheming of the religious leaders, showing how different people react to the events of the cross. The religious leaders' actions, intended to prevent belief in the resurrection, ultimately set the stage for undeniable proof when the tomb was found empty, as described in Matthew 28:1ff.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 15:42 (6 votes)

    ¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

  • John 19:14 (5 votes)

    And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

  • John 19:42 (4 votes)

    There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

  • Matthew 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

  • Matthew 27:2 (2 votes)

    And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

  • Matthew 26:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now the first [day] of the [feast of] unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

  • Luke 23:54 (2 votes)

    And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.