Mark 15:44
New International Version
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.

New Living Translation
Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet.

English Standard Version
Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead.

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

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate wondered if already He were dead. And having summoned the centurion, he questioned him whether He had died already.

King James Bible
And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

New King James Version
Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time.

New American Standard Bible
Now Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.

NASB 1995
Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.

NASB 1977
And Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Pilate wondered if He had died by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He already died.

Amplified Bible
Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time [only six hours after being crucified], and he summoned the centurion and asked him whether He was already dead.

Christian Standard Bible
Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died.

American Standard Version
And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Contemporary English Version
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, and he called in the army officer to find out if Jesus had been dead very long.

English Revised Version
And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate wondered if Jesus had already died. So he summoned the officer to ask him if Jesus was, in fact, dead.

Good News Translation
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. He called the army officer and asked him if Jesus had been dead a long time.

International Standard Version
Pilate was amazed to hear that Jesus had already died, so he summoned the centurion to ask him if he was in fact dead.

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

NET Bible
Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. He called the centurion and asked him if he had been dead for some time.

New Heart English Bible
Pilate was surprised that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Pilate wondered if he was already dead: and calling the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Weymouth New Testament
But Pilate could hardly believe that He was already dead. He called, however, for the Centurion and inquired whether He had been long dead;

World English Bible
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Pilate wondered if He were already dead, and having called near the centurion, questioned him if He were long dead,

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate wondered if already He were dead. And having summoned the centurion, he questioned him whether He had died already.

Young's Literal Translation
And Pilate wondered if he were already dead, and having called near the centurion, did question him if he were long dead,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pilate wondered if he were already dead: and having called the centurion, he asked him if he had been dead long ago.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Pilate wondered that he should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if he were already dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Pilate wondered if he had already died. And summoning a centurion, he questioned him as to whether he was already dead.

New American Bible
Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Pilate marvelled that he was already dead. So he called the centurion and asked him if he had died before the time.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Pilate wondered if he had been dead that long, and he called the Centurion and asked him if he had died before the time.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Pilate was astonished that he was already dead; and having called the centurion to him, he inquired of him whether he had been any while dead.

Godbey New Testament
And Pilate was astonished if He had died already. And having called the centurion, asked him if He was already dead.

Haweis New Testament
Then Pilate marvelled that he should be already dead: and calling for the centurion, he asked him, If he had been dead any time.

Mace New Testament
Pilate surpriz'd that he should be dead so soon, sent for the Centurion, and ask'd him, if he had been dead any time.

Weymouth New Testament
But Pilate could hardly believe that He was already dead. He called, however, for the Centurion and inquired whether He had been long dead;

Worrell New Testament
And Pilate wondered, if He had already died; and, calling to him the centurion, he asked him, whether He were already dead.

Worsley New Testament
But Pilate wondered that He was dead already, and therefore calling for the centurion he asked him if He had been dead any time:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Burial of Jesus
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. 44 Pilate 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.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:57-60
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. / So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ...

Luke 23:50-53
Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, / who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. ...

John 19:38-42
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. / Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. ...

Acts 13:29
When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Psalm 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.

Psalm 31:5
Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

John 19:31-37
It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed. / So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and those of the other. / But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ...

Matthew 27:45-46
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. / About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Luke 23:44-46
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. / The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. / Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.

John 19:28-30
After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” / A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth. / When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.

Matthew 27:50
When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.

Luke 23:47
When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

John 19:33-34
But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. / Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling to him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

John 19:31-37
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away…

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Mark 15
1. Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.
6. Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,
12. and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.
16. He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;
21. faints in bearing his cross;
27. hangs between two thieves;
29. suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;
39. but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;
42. and is honorably buried by Joseph.














Pilate was surprised
The Greek word for "surprised" is "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō), which conveys a sense of wonder or amazement. Pilate's surprise indicates that he did not expect Jesus to have died so quickly. Historically, crucifixion was a prolonged and excruciating process, often taking days for the victim to succumb. Pilate's reaction underscores the unusual nature of Jesus' death, which aligns with the scriptural narrative that Jesus willingly laid down His life (John 10:18).

to hear that Jesus was already dead
The phrase "already dead" emphasizes the unexpected swiftness of Jesus' death. In the context of Roman crucifixion, victims often lingered in agony. The Greek word for "dead" is "τεθνήκεναι" (tethnēkenai), which is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This highlights the finality and completeness of Jesus' sacrifice. Theologically, this moment fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 53:8, which speaks of the Messiah being "cut off from the land of the living."

Summoning the centurion
The centurion was a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers, a man of authority and experience. The Greek word "κεντυρίων" (kentyriōn) reflects his role as a witness to the events of the crucifixion. His testimony was crucial for Pilate to confirm Jesus' death. This interaction underscores the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts, as the centurion's verification serves as an official Roman acknowledgment of Jesus' death.

he asked if Jesus had already died
Pilate's inquiry reflects a procedural step to ensure the legality of releasing Jesus' body. The Greek verb "ἀποθανεῖν" (apothanein) for "died" is in the aorist tense, indicating a specific point in time. This precise questioning by Pilate highlights the importance of confirming Jesus' death, which is foundational to the Christian faith. The death of Jesus is not only a historical event but also a pivotal moment in salvation history, as it precedes His resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian belief.

(44) And Pilate marvelled.--The wonder of Pilate, and his calling the centurion (the article points to his being the same that had been mentioned in Mark 15:39), are peculiar to St. Mark.

Verse 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. It must have Been somewhat early in the afternoon, probably not long after three o'clock, when Joseph went. The day being the Preparation, the Jews were anxious to satisfy the letter of the Law (Deuteronomy 21:13), and that, more especially, because the coming sabbath was a "high day." So they had gone early to Pilate to obtain permission to accelerate the deaths of the sufferers by the terrible additional punishment called σκελοκοπία. This violence was not inflicted upon our Lord, because he was already dead; and so another Scripture was fulfilled, "A bone of him shall not be broken." But it was necessary that Pilate should be assured of the fact that death had taken place before he gave up the body; and thus, in the providence of God, another evidence was given of the reality of Christ's death. Joseph asked for the body (σῶμα). Then Pilate asked the centurion "whether he had been any while dead." The verb here is in the aorist, and the adverb means "formerly" (εἰ πάλαι ἀπέθανε); literally, if he died some time ago.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Pilate
Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

was surprised [to hear]
ἐθαύμασεν (ethaumasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2296: (a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire. From thauma; to wonder; by implication, to admire.

that
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[Jesus] was already dead,
τέθνηκεν (tethnēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2348: To die, be dying, be dead. A strengthened form of a simpler primary thano than'-o; to die.

so
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he summoned
προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

centurion
κεντυρίωνα (kentyriōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2760: Of Latin origin; a centurion, i.e. Captain of one hundred soldiers.

to ask
ἐπηρώτησεν (epērōtēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[this was so].
ἀπέθανεν (apethanen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.


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NT Gospels: Mark 15:44 Pilate marveled if he were already dead (Mar Mk Mr)
Mark 15:43
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