And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

MARK 15:45KJV
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Mark 15:45 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:45 mean?

Mark 15:45 describes how, after confirming with the centurion that Jesus was truly dead, Pilate allowed Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus’ body. This verse shows the official transfer of Jesus’ body for burial, following Roman procedures.

In this scene, Pilate is the Roman governor, and he is speaking with a centurion, a Roman military officer, to verify Jesus’ death. Only after receiving confirmation does Pilate give permission to Joseph, a respected member of the Jewish council, to take charge of the body. This detail highlights the careful steps taken before Jesus was buried, emphasizing both Roman authority and Joseph’s role.

The Greek behind Mark 15:45

  • σῶμα (sōma, "body"): The Greek word here refers to a physical body, not just a corpse. This word choice underscores the reality of Jesus’ death and the physical handling of his remains.
  • ἔδωκεν (edōken, "gave"): This verb means to hand over or grant. The use of this word shows that Pilate is making an official, legal decision to release Jesus’ body to Joseph, rather than leaving it for common disposal.

Why Mark 15:45 matters

  • Mark 15:45 clarifies that Jesus’ death was verified by Roman authorities, leaving no doubt that he truly died before being buried.
  • The verse highlights Joseph’s courage and respect, as he steps forward to request Jesus’ body, risking his reputation and position.
  • This detail sets the stage for the burial and resurrection accounts, showing that Jesus’ body was properly cared for and placed in a known tomb.

Where else these words appear

“centurion” Greek G2760 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

“gave” Greek G1433 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
  • 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

“Joseph” Greek G2501 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.