So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

MATTHEW 28:15KJV
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Matthew 28:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 28:15 mean?

Matthew 28:15 describes how the guards at Jesus’ tomb took money from the chief priests and followed their instructions to spread a particular story, and that this explanation was still widely circulated among Jewish people at the time the Gospel was written. The verse highlights the deliberate spread of an alternative account about what happened to Jesus’ body.

The setting is after Jesus’ resurrection, where the chief priests bribed the guards to say that Jesus’ disciples stole his body while they were sleeping. Matthew, the narrator, is explaining to his readers that this story was still commonly told among Jewish communities. The verse points to an ongoing controversy about the resurrection and shows how the official explanation was maintained through bribery and instruction.

The Greek behind Matthew 28:15

  • λόγος (logos, “saying”): This word can mean “word,” “report,” or “account.” Here, it refers to the specific story or explanation the guards were told to spread, emphasizing that it became a widely accepted narrative.
  • διεφημίσθη (diephēmísthē, “reported”): This verb means “spread abroad” or “made widely known.” It underscores that the story was not just told privately but became a common report among many people.
  • μέχρι (mechri, “until”): This word means “up to” or “until.” Matthew is stressing that the story was still being told even at the time he was writing, showing its persistence.

Why Matthew 28:15 matters

  • Matthew 28:15 clarifies that the story of the disciples stealing Jesus’ body was not a rumor but an intentionally spread explanation, supported by the religious authorities.
  • The verse shows the tension and competing narratives about Jesus’ resurrection that existed in the early years of Christianity.
  • By mentioning that the story was still “commonly reported,” Matthew is addressing readers who may have heard this explanation, providing context for why such a story was circulating.

Where else these words appear

“reported” Greek G1310 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 9:31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
  • Mark 1:45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

“until” Greek G3360 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
  • Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
  • 1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“money” Greek G694 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
  • Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.