Question 1

What does Matthew 28:14 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 28:14 records the chief priests promising the soldiers that if the governor hears about what happened, they will persuade him and keep the soldiers out of trouble. The verse shows the religious leaders assuring the guards that they will handle any fallout from their report about Jesus’ missing body. The scene takes place after Jesus’ resurrection, when the guards at the tomb report to the chief priests what they witnessed. The priests are speaking to the soldiers, telling them to spread a false story about the disciples stealing Jesus’ body. The priests promise to protect the soldiers from punishment by the Roman governor (likely Pontius Pilate) if their involvement comes to light.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 28:14

Accepted Answer

πείσομεν (peisomen, "we will persuade"): This word carries the sense of convincing or winning someone over, suggesting the priests are confident they can influence the governor’s decision. ἀσφαλεῖς (asphaleis, "secure you"): The Greek here is often understood as “keep you safe” or “make you free from worry,” indicating the priests are offering the soldiers protection from any consequences.

Question 3

Why Matthew 28:14 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse highlights the lengths the religious leaders are willing to go to suppress the truth about Jesus’ resurrection, even involving bribery and promises of political protection. It clarifies why the soldiers would agree to spread a false story, since Roman soldiers could face severe punishment for failing in their duties. The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the deliberate effort to create an alternative explanation for the empty tomb, shaping how the resurrection was reported and understood in the early days.

Matthew 28:14 (KJV)