What number verse is Matthew 28:14 in the Bible?

Matthew 28:14 is the 24,210th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Matthew 28:14 sits at position 24,210.

“The Guard's Report and the Bribe”· Matthew 28:11–15

Translation

King James Version

And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And ^G2532 if ^G1437 this ^G5124 come ^G191 to ^G1909 the governor's ^G2232 ears ^G191, we ^G2249 will persuade ^G3982 him ^G846, and ^G2532 secure ^{G275 G4160} you ^G5209.

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Complete Jewish Bible

If the governor hears of it, we will put things right with him and keep you from getting in trouble."

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Berean Standard Bible

If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”

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American Standard Version

And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of care.

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World English Bible Messianic

If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.”

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And if this matter come before the gouernour to be heard, we will perswade him, and so vse the matter that you shall not neede to care.

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Young's Literal Translation

and if this be heard by the governor, we will persuade him, and you keep free from anxiety.'

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Study This Verse

Summary

Matthew 28:14 details the desperate attempt by the chief priests and elders to suppress the truth of Jesus' resurrection. After bribing the Roman guards who witnessed the miraculous event, the Jewish leaders assure them that if news of their alleged dereliction of duty reaches the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, they will use their influence to persuade him and ensure the guards face no punishment, thereby securing their participation in spreading the fabricated story that Jesus' disciples stole His body.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is an integral part of the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, forming a stark contrast to the divine revelation of the empty tomb. Following the earthquake, the angelic appearance, and the terrified flight of the Roman guards, these soldiers reported the astonishing events directly to the chief priests in Matthew 28:11. Instead of repentance or belief, the Jewish leaders, driven by fear and entrenched opposition to Jesus, convened with the elders to concoct a scheme. They bribed the soldiers with a "large sum of money" (Matthew 28:12) to propagate a false narrative: that Jesus' disciples stole His body while the guards were asleep (Matthew 28:13). Verse 14 provides the critical assurance needed for the guards, who faced severe penalties, possibly death, for sleeping on duty, to agree to this dangerous deception.

Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman Empire maintained strict military discipline, and dereliction of duty, especially sleeping while on guard, was a capital offense. This severe consequence made the chief priests' promise in Matthew 28:14 absolutely vital for the soldiers to accept the bribe and risk their lives by spreading the lie. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, had previously granted the chief priests' request for a guard at the tomb (Matthew 27:65-66), making him the ultimate authority whose wrath the guards feared. The Jewish leaders, though under Roman rule, still wielded significant political and financial influence within Judea, enabling them to attempt to sway Pilate or mitigate any potential charges against the soldiers. This incident also highlights the deep-seated animosity of the Jewish religious establishment towards Jesus, even after His death, demonstrating their determination to suppress any evidence that might validate His claims.

Key Themes

This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of truth versus deception, revealing the desperate lengths to which human beings will go to suppress inconvenient truths, especially those with divine implications. The chief priests' actions exemplify the corruption of power and authority, using their resources not for justice or truth, but to perpetuate a lie. Furthermore, the futility of human efforts to thwart God's sovereign plan is a prominent theme; despite this elaborate conspiracy, the resurrection could not be contained, and the truth of Christ's triumph over death ultimately prevailed and spread throughout the world, as commanded in the Great Commission. Finally, the soldiers' fear of consequences and the leaders' promise of "security" highlight the human desire for self-preservation and the lengths people will go to avoid punishment.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

come akoúō' G191

From the primary verb meaning "to hear" or "give audience to," here used idiomatically as "come to the ears." It signifies the act of information being received or reported, specifically to the governor. The implication is that if the true account of the resurrection, or even the fabricated story, were to reach Pilate, it would necessitate intervention.

persuade peíthō' G3982

This verb means "to convince," "to pacify," or "to win over." In this context, it suggests that the chief priests intended to use their influence, arguments, or possibly further bribes, to mollify Governor Pilate and ensure he would not punish the guards for their supposed failure to guard the tomb. It speaks to their political maneuvering and power within the Roman system.

secure amérimnos' G4160

Derived from a negative particle and the word for "care" or "anxiety," this adjective means "not anxious" or "without care." Combined with the verb "to make" (G4160, poiéō), as it is in the Greek, the phrase literally means "we will make you without care" or "free from anxiety." It is a strong assurance of protection from any negative repercussions, highlighting the leaders' commitment to protecting the guards from punishment for participating in the deception.

Verse Breakdown

"And if this come to the governor's ears,"

This conditional clause sets the premise for the chief priests' promise. "This" refers to the true account of the resurrection as witnessed by the guards, or even the fabricated story of the body being stolen. The phrase "come to the governor's ears" signifies the news reaching Pontius Pilate, the Roman authority responsible for the guards and the security of the tomb. The implication is that such news would naturally provoke an investigation and potential severe punishment for the guards.

"we will persuade him,"

This is the first part of the chief priests' assurance. "We" refers to the chief priests and elders, indicating their collective power and influence. "Him" refers to Pontius Pilate. The act of "persuading" suggests that they would leverage their political connections, their standing in the Jewish community, or even financial incentives, to convince Pilate not to pursue charges or inflict punishment upon the guards. It highlights their willingness to manipulate the Roman legal system for their own ends.

"and secure you."

This is the second, and perhaps more crucial, part of the leaders' promise to the guards. To "secure you" means to make them safe, free from anxiety, and protected from the severe consequences of their supposed dereliction of duty. This assurance was essential for the guards to agree to the dangerous lie, as it directly addressed their primary fear of Roman military justice. It underscores the depth of the conspiracy and the lengths to which the Jewish authorities would go to ensure the lie's propagation.

Literary Devices

Matthew 28:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Irony is prominent, as the very authorities who sought to prevent Jesus' resurrection through a guarded tomb are now actively engaged in a conspiracy to suppress the undeniable evidence of that resurrection. Their efforts, intended to secure their power, ultimately highlight the futility of human opposition to divine truth. The verse also serves as foreshadowing, hinting at the ongoing conflict between truth and falsehood that would characterize the spread of the Gospel. The desperate measures taken by the Jewish leaders underscore the spiritual battle for hearts and minds. Furthermore, there is a subtle contrast between the divine power manifested in the resurrection and the earthly, corrupt power wielded by the chief priests, demonstrating the ultimate triumph of God's plan over human machinations.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Matthew 28:14 stands as a stark testament to the human propensity to reject and actively suppress divine truth when it challenges established power structures or deeply held prejudices. The chief priests' actions reveal a profound spiritual blindness and a preference for convenient lies over uncomfortable, miraculous reality. This verse underscores the enduring conflict between light and darkness, truth and deception, a battle that continues throughout human history. It reminds us that the greatest truths often face the fiercest opposition, yet God's sovereign plan cannot ultimately be thwarted by human conspiracy or corruption. The resurrection of Jesus, despite all attempts to silence it, became the foundational truth upon which the Christian faith was built, demonstrating the ultimate triumph of God's power and truth over all human resistance.

John 8:44Jesus identifies Satan as the "father of lies," providing a theological backdrop for understanding the source of such deliberate deception.

Acts 5:38-39Gamaliel's counsel to the Sanhedrin, "if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow them," perfectly encapsulates the futility of the chief priests' efforts against the resurrection.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12This passage speaks of the "deceit of unrighteousness" for those who "did not receive the love of the truth," echoing the spiritual condition of those who actively suppress the truth of Christ's resurrection.

Reflection and Application

Matthew 28:14 serves as a powerful reminder that the truth of the Gospel, particularly the resurrection of Jesus, has always faced opposition, not merely from ignorance but from deliberate suppression. In a world saturated with misinformation and competing narratives, this passage calls believers to a heightened sense of discernment and an unwavering commitment to truth. We are challenged to recognize the various forms of "persuasion" and "security" offered by worldly systems that seek to silence or distort the liberating message of Christ. Just as the chief priests could not ultimately contain the resurrection, no human effort can ultimately thwart God's purposes or extinguish the light of His truth. This should embolden us to stand firm, speak boldly, and live authentically in the face of opposition, trusting that the power of God's truth will ultimately prevail, transforming hearts and minds despite all attempts at deception. Our mission is to proclaim the unvarnished truth of Christ, knowing that while lies may gain temporary traction, they cannot withstand the eternal reality of God's redemptive work.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways do I see "truth suppression" or "deception" at work in the world today, particularly concerning spiritual matters?
How might I be tempted to compromise or remain silent about the truth of the Gospel to "secure" myself from social or professional repercussions?
What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper love for truth and a greater discernment against deceptive narratives in my own life?
How does the ultimate failure of the chief priests' conspiracy encourage me in my faith and witness?

FAQ

Why were the chief priests so determined to suppress the truth of the resurrection?

The chief priests were deeply invested in maintaining their religious and political authority, which was directly threatened by Jesus' claims to divinity and His messianic identity. His resurrection would have unequivocally validated His claims, undermining their power and exposing their role in His crucifixion. They feared a mass conversion of the people to belief in Jesus, which would disrupt the existing order and potentially provoke further Roman intervention. Their actions in Matthew 28:11-15 reveal a desperate attempt to cling to control by fabricating a counter-narrative, even in the face of undeniable divine intervention.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Matthew 28:14, though detailing an act of human deception, paradoxically highlights the uncontainable power and ultimate triumph of Christ. The chief priests' desperate attempt to "persuade" Pilate and "secure" the guards from punishment underscores the profound threat the resurrected Christ posed to their earthly authority and the futility of any human effort to thwart God's divine plan. Far from being suppressed, the truth of Jesus' resurrection became the cornerstone of the Christian faith, proclaimed by His disciples who, unlike the bribed guards, were empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to this very event (Acts 1:8). The empty tomb and the subsequent spread of the Gospel worldwide, despite intense persecution and continued opposition, serve as irrefutable proof that no amount of human conspiracy or political maneuvering could silence the living Christ. Indeed, the very lie they propagated inadvertently drew more attention to the empty tomb, ultimately magnifying the truth of the One who conquered death, making Him the central figure of history and the hope of humanity (Romans 1:4). This verse, therefore, points to Christ as the ultimate Truth who cannot be suppressed, the Victor over death and deception, whose kingdom advances not by human lies but by divine power and the faithful witness of His followers (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

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Historical interpretation

Nine Centuries of Reception

10 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.

10 quotes · AD 367–1274

Ante-NicenePost-NiceneEarly MedievalMedieval

4005006007008009001000110012001300

Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.

AD 367Hilary of Poitiersas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Post-NiceneSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

The concealment of the Resurrection, and the false allegation of theft, is purchased by money; because by the honour of this world, which consists in money and desire, Christ's glory is denied.

AD 407John Chrysostomas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Post-NiceneSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

(Hom. xc.) Of the signs which were shown around Christ, some were common to the whole world, as the darkness; some peculiar to the watch, as the wonderful apparition of Angels, and the earthquake, which were wrought for the soldiers' sake, that they might be stunned with amazement, and bear testimony to the truth. For when truth is proclaimed by its adversaries, it adds to its brightness. Which befel now; Some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the Chief Priests all the things that were done.

How should the disciples carry Him away by stealth, men poor, and of no station, and who scarcely dared to show themselves? They fled when afterwards they saw Christ alive, how, when He was dead, would they not have feared so great a multitude of soldiers? How were they to remove the door of the sepulchre? One might have done it unperceived by the guard. But a large stone was rolled to the mouth requiring many hands. And was not the seal thereon? And why did they not attempt it the first night, when there was none at the sepulchre? For it was on the Sabbath that they begged the body of Jesus. Moreover, what mean these napkins which Peter sees laid here? Had the disciples stolen the Body, they would never have stripped it, both because it might so receive hurt, and cause unnecessary delay to themselves, and so expose them to be taken by the watch; especially since the Body and clothes were covered with myrrh, a glutinous spice, which would cause them to adhere. The allegation of the theft then is improbable. So that their endeavours to conceal the Resurrection do but make it more manifest. For when they say, His disciples stole the body, they confess that it is not in the sepulchre. And as they thus confess that they had not the Body, and as the watch, the sealing, and the fears of the disciples, make the theft improbable, there is seen evidence of the Resurrection not to be gainsaid.

See how all are corrupted; Pilate persuaded; the people stirred up; the soldiers bribed; as it follows, And they look the money, and did as they were instructed. If money prevailed with a disciple so far as to make him become the betrayer of his Master, what wonder that the soldiers are overcome by it.

AD 407John ChrysostomPost-NiceneSourceHomily on the Gospel of Matthew 90

For the sake of these soldiers that earthquake took place, in order to dismay them, and that the testimony might come from them, which accordingly was the result. For the report was thus free from suspicion, as proceeding from the guards themselves. For of the signs some were displayed publicly to the world, others privately to those present on the spot; publicly for the world was the darkness, privately the appearance of the angel, the earthquake. When then they came and showed it (for truth shines forth, being proclaimed by its adversaries), they again gave money, that they might say, as it is expressed, "that His disciples came and stole Him."

How did they steal Him? O most foolish of all men! For because of the clearness and conspicuousness of the truth, they are not even able to make up a falsehood. For indeed what they said was highly incredible, and the falsehood had not even speciousness. For how, I ask, did the disciples steal Him, men poor and unlearned, and not venturing so much as to show themselves? What? was not a seal put upon it? What? were there not so many watchmen, and soldiers, and Jews stationed round it? What? did not those men suspect this very thing, and take thought, and break their rest, and continue anxious about it? And wherefore moreover did they steal it? That they might feign the doctrine of the resurrection? And how should it enter their minds to feign such a thing, men who were well content to be hidden and to live? And how could they remove the stone that was made sure? how could they have escaped the observation of so many? Nay, though they had despised death, they would not have attempted without purpose, and fruitlessly to venture in defiance of so many who were on the watch. And that moreover they were timorous, what they had done before showed clearly, at least, when they saw Him seized, all rushed away from Him. If then at that time they did not dare so much as to stand their ground when they saw Him alive, how when He was dead could they but have feared such a number of soldiers? What? was it to burst open a door? Was it that one should escape notice? A great stone lay upon it, needing many hands to move it.

They were right in saying, "So the last error shall be worse than the first," making this declaration against themselves, for that, when after so much mad conduct they ought to have repented, they rather strive to outdo their former acts, feigning absurd fictions, and as, when He was alive, they purchased His blood, so when He was dead and risen again, they again by money were striving to undermine the evidence of His resurrection. But do thou mark, I pray thee, how by their own doings they are caught everywhere. For if they had not come to Pilate, nor asked for the guard, they would have been more able to act thus impudently, but as it was, not so. For indeed, as though they were laboring to stop their own mouths, even so did they all things. For if the disciples had not strength to watch with Him, and that, though upbraided by Him, how could they have ventured upon these things? And wherefore did they not steal Him before this, but when ye were come? For if they had been minded to do this, they would have done it, when the tomb was not yet guarded on the first night, when it was to be done without danger, and in security. For it was on the Sabbath that they came and begged of Pilate to have the watch, and kept guard, but during the first night none of these was present by the sepulchre.

And what mean also the napkins that were stuck on with the myrrh; for Peter saw these lying. For if they had been disposed to steal, they would not have stolen the body naked, not because of dishonoring it only, but in order not to delay and lose time in stripping it, and not to give them that were so disposed opportunity to awake and seize them. Especially when it was myrrh, a drug that adheres so to the body, and cleaves to the clothes, whence it was not easy to take the clothes off the body, but they that did this needed much time, so that from this again, the tale of the theft is improbable.

What? did they not know the rage of the Jews? and that they would vent their anger on them? And what profit was it at all to them, if He had not risen again?

So these men, being conscious that they had made up all this tale, gave money, and said, "Say ye these things, and we will persuade the governor." For they desire that the report should be published, fighting in vain against the truth; and by their endeavor to obscure it, by these even against their will they occasioned it to appear clearly. For indeed even this establishes the resurrection, the fact I mean of their saying, that the disciples stole Him. For this is the language of men confessing, that the body was not there. When therefore they confess the body was not there, but the stealing it is shown to be false and incredible, by their watching by it, and by the seals, and by the timidity of the disciples, the proof of the resurrection even hence appears incontrovertible.

Nevertheless, these shameless and audacious men, although there were so many things to stop their mouths, "Say ye," these are their words, "and we will persuade, and will secure you." Seest thou all depraved? Pilate, for he was persuaded? the soldiers? the Jewish people? But marvel not, if money prevailed over soldiers. For if with His disciple it showed its might to be so great, much more with these.

"And this saying is commonly reported," it is said, "until this day." Seest thou again the disciples' love of truth, how they are not ashamed of saying even this, that such a report prevailed against them.

AD 420Jeromeas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Post-NiceneSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

Thus the Chief Priests, who ought to have been by this turned to penitence, and to seek Jesus risen, persevere in their wickedness, and convert the money which was given for the use of the Temple to the purchase of a lie, as before they had given thirty pieces of silver to the traitor Judas.

All who abuse to other purposes the money of the Temple, and the contributions for the use of the Church, purchasing with them their own pleasure, are like the Scribes and Priests who bought this lie, and the blood of the Saviour.

AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Matthew

(Vers. 12 seqq.) And when they were gathered with the elders, after taking counsel, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying: Tell them that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep. And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And the story spread among the Jews to this day. The guards confessed the miracle: they returned to the city and reported to the chief priests all that they had seen and experienced. Those who were supposed to convert to repentance and seek the risen Jesus persist in wickedness, and they turn the money that was given for the use of the temple into the redemption of lies, just as they had previously given thirty pieces of silver to Judas the betrayer. Therefore, all those who misuse the temple offerings and those things that are given for the use of the church for other purposes, in order to fulfill their own desires, are similar to the scribes and priests who bought the lie and the Savior's blood.

AD 450Peter ChrysologusPost-NiceneSourceSERMONS 76.4

Among these misdeeds, we find the priests bribing people and, what is worse, deceiving them by pointing falsely to the misdeeds of others. Meanwhile they were putting a price on sin. They paid money to cover up their manipulations. They buy out Judas who betrayed his Lord. They compensate with money the blood of the Savior of the world. They try to shut up faith in the empty tomb by purchasing silence. With petty theft they deal in the greater crime of denying the resurrection. “They gave a sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” Among the Christians too. What they covered up with gold in Judea would shine brightly and intensely over the whole world. The disciples received Christ; they did not steal him. You purchased treachery, but you did not steal the truth. Christ rose from the dead. You lost money.

AD 450Peter Chrysologusas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Post-NiceneSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

(ubi sup.) Not content to have put the Master to death, they plot how they may destroy the disciples, and make the Master's power matter of charge against His disciples. The soldiers indeed lost Him, the Jews missed Him, but the disciples crimed Him away, not by theft, but by faith; by virtue, and not by fraud; by holiness, and not by wickedness; alive, and not dead.

(ubi sup.) Among the Jews, not among the Christians; what in Judæa the Jew concealed by his gold, is by faith blazed abroad throughout the world.

AD 533Remigius of Rheimsas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Post-NiceneSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

But if the guards slept, how saw they the theft? And if they saw it not, how could they witness thereto? So that what they desire to show, they cannot show.

AD 856Rabanus Maurusas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274Early MedievalSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

Simple minds, and unlearned country-folk, often make manifest without guile the truth of a matter, as the thing is; but on the other hand, a crafty wickedness studies how to recommend falsehood by glosing words.

But as the guilt of His blood, which they imprecated upon themselves and their children, presses them down with a heavy weight of sin, so the purchase of the lie, by which they deny the truth of the Resurrection, charges this guilt upon them for ever; as it follows, And this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

AD 1274Glossa Ordinariaas quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274MedievalSourceCatena Aurea by Aquinas

(non occ.) That the fear of the Governor might not restrain them from this lie, they promise them impunity.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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