Mark 15:45

Mark 15:45, in plain English

Once the centurion confirmed it, Pilate released the body to Joseph.

Why it's here

Normally, crucified criminals were denied proper burial. Pilate's willingness to release the body to Joseph was an unusual act of mercy.

Who's speaking

Mark records Pilate giving permission for Jesus' burial.

Where it sits in the story

The body is released, and now the race begins. Joseph has to prepare and bury Jesus before the sun sets and the Sabbath begins.

The scholarly reading

Upon receiving the centurion's confirmation, Pilate edoresato (granted/gifted) the ptoma (corpse/body) to Joseph, using an unusual term that implies a gracious concession.

Language and setting

The word ptoma (corpse) is notably clinical compared to soma (body), and edoresato suggests Pilate made this as a personal gift rather than a routine legal matter.

Voice

The narrator records Pilate's official release of the body to Joseph.

Significance

Pilate grants Joseph's request after confirming the death. The body of Jesus is officially released for burial, setting the stage for the burial and eventual resurrection.

43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.

45When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

46So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was placed.

Read all of Mark 15 — Pilate washes his hands, soldiers mock the King of Kings, and darkness covers the land. The curtain in the temple tears from top to bottom.