Matthew 27:62 - Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,

Generated Verse: Matthew 27:62

What does "Matthew 27:62" mean?


This verse, Matthew 27:62, sets the stage for the events that follow the crucifixion of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break it down:

"Now on the next day...": This clearly establishes a temporal sequence. The events described are happening after something else has already taken place.

"...which was the day after the Preparation Day...": This is a key point for understanding the context. "Preparation Day" refers to the day before the Sabbath (Saturday in Jewish tradition). It was the day when people prepared for the Sabbath by finishing necessary work, including preparing meals. So, the day being described is Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.

"...the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate...": This tells us who is involved. The "chief priests" and "Pharisees" were two prominent groups within Jewish society. The chief priests were associated with the Temple and held significant religious authority. The Pharisees were a religious and political group known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions. They are going "to Pilate," who was the Roman governor of Judea.

In Summary, the Verse Means:

On Saturday, the day after the Friday when Jesus was crucified (the day after the preparations for Sabbath had been completed), the leading religious figures (the chief priests and the Pharisees) went to see Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

Significance:

This verse is important because it shows that even after Jesus' death, his opponents were still concerned about him. They didn't simply dismiss him as a failed messiah. Their continued involvement sets the stage for the next event in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 27:63-66), where they ask Pilate to secure Jesus' tomb to prevent his disciples from stealing the body and claiming he had been resurrected.