Chapter

Matthew 27:62

ESV The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate
NIV The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.
NASB Now on the next day, that is, the day which is after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate,
CSB The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate
NLT The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate.
KJV Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

What does Matthew 27:62 mean?

Jesus' body has been hastily wrapped in a linen shroud with some spices and laid out in a brand-new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57–61). Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses (Mark 15:40, 47) saw where Jesus was buried. They plan to return on Sunday morning, after the Sabbath, to add burial spices and ointments to the body.

Matthew refers to the current day, somewhat awkwardly, as the day after the day of Preparation. The day of Preparation for the Sabbath was Friday, so now it is Saturday. Some Jewish priests and Pharisees have come to see Pilate once again. Given the outrageous uproar which happened on the prior day (Matthew 27:24), Pilate is likely not happy to see them, or especially interested in their concerns.

However, these men are worried that someone will steal Jesus' body. This would make it easier to claim He has been raised from the dead, making Him a potent symbol for those who resisted either Rome or Jerusalem's leaders. That danger, apparently, will be enough for Pilate to agree to keep an eye on the grave for a few days (Matthew 27:63–66).
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