the innocent. (No Art.) The innocence of the Lord affirmed by six witnesses, three in Matthew and three in Luk_:1 . Judas (Matthew 27:4 );
2. Pilate (Matthew 27:24 );
3. Pilate's wife (Matthew 27:19 );
4. Herod (Luke 23:15 );
5. the malefactor (Luke 23:41 );
6. the Roman centurion (Luke 23:47 ).
innocent. Greek. athoos. Occurs only here, and Matthew 27:24 .
blood. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole person, with a latent reference to Matthew 27:6 . Compare verses: Matthew 24:25 .Psalms 94:21 .Proverbs 1:11 .
What . . . &c. Ignoring both the Lord's innocence and Judas's guilt. see thou to that = thou wilt see [to it]. see. App-133 .
in. Greek. en . App-104 . But all the texts read eis = into (vi) the Sanctuary, over the barrier into the Sanctuary.
Temple = the Sanctuary. Greek. naos. See note on Matthew 23:16 .
hanged himself. Greek. apagchomai . Occurs only here. Acts 1:18 describes what took place, in consequence, afterward. He must have been hanging before he could "fall forward". See note there. Greek. apagcho. Occurs only here (Matthew 27:5 ) in N.T. Septuagint for hanak.2 Samuel 17:23 , only of Ahithophel, the type of Judas (Psalms 55:14 , Psalms 55:15 ). See note on Acts 1:18 .
bought = purchased with money in the market. In Acts 1:18 , the word is not agorazo, as here, but ktaomai = acquired as a possession by purchase. Acts 1:18 refers to quite another transaction. See App-161 . There is no "discrepancy" except that which is created by inattention to the Greek words used.
with = out of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
field. Greek. agros, not chorion = a small holding, as in Acts 1:18 .
to bury strangers in = for (Greek. eis. App-104 .) a burying ground (Greek. taphe. Occurs only here) for foreigners.
washed. Greek. aponipto . Occurs only here. See App-136 .
innocent = guiltless.
of = from. Greek. apo. App-104 . Same as in verses: Matthew 27:9 , Matthew 27:57 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 27:12 , Matthew 27:29 , Matthew 27:48 .
blood. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , for murder, as in Matthew 23:35 .Deuteronomy 19:12 .Psalms 9:12 .Hosea 1:4 .
common hall = Praetorium. In Mark 15:16 it is called the aule, or open courtyard (compare Matthew 26:3 ). In John 18:28 , John 18:33 ; John 19:9 , it is Pilate's house, within the aule.
unto = against. Greek. epi . App-104 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:33 , Matthew 27:45 , Mat 19:62 .
band. Render "cohort" and omit "of soldiers". The cohort contained about 600 men.
unto. Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:27 , Matthew 27:45 , Mat 19:62 .
Golgotha. An Aramaic word, from the Hebrew Gulgoleth (see App-94 .Judges 9:53; Judges 9:53 . 2 Kings 9:35 ). Nothing is said about a "green hill". But an elevation, which we speak of as being a "head", "shoulder", or "neck". The Latin is calvaria = a skull. Hence Eng. Calvary.
They gave Him . . . drink. Note the five occasions on which this was done; and observe the accuracy of what is said, instead of creating "discrepancies":
1. On the way to Golgotha (Mark 15:23 = were offering, Imperfect Tense), He did not drink.
2. When they arrived there (Matthew 27:33 ), He tasted it, but would not drink.
3. Later, by the soldiers after He was on the cross (Luke 23:36 ), probably at their own meal.
4. Later still, a proposal made by some and checked by others, but afterward carried out (Matthew 27:48 ).
5. The last about the ninth hour, in response to the Lord's call (John 19:29 ).
vinegar. In the first case, it was wine (Greek. oinon) drugged with myrrh (see Mark 15:22 , Mark 15:23 ). 2. In the second case, it was "vinegar (Greek. oxos) mingled with gall" (Greek. chole) (Matthew 27:33 ). 3. In the third case, it was "sour wine" (Greek. oxos) , (Luke 23:36 ). 4. In the fourth case it was also "sour wine" (Greek. oxoa), (Matthew 27:48 , as in Matthew 27:34 ). 5. In the fifth case it was the same (Greek. oxoa) , (John 19:28 ). These then were the five occasions and the three kinds of drink.
tasted. See notes above. He would not. Greek. thelo.
set up over His head. This is not therefore the inscription written by Pilate and put upon the cross before it left Pilate's presence (John 19:19 ); this was brought after the dividing of the garments; and was probably the result of the discussion of John 19:21 , John 19:22 . See App-163 .
over. Greek. epano = up over. See note "upon", Matthew 28:2 .
Then. After the parting of the garments. See App-163 .
two thieves = two robbers. Greek. lestia. Therefore not the two "malefactors" (Greek. kakourgoi) of Luke 23:32 , who "were led with Him to be put to death", and came to Calvary and were crucified with Him (Luke 23:33 ). These two "robbers" were brought later. Note the word "Then" (Matthew 27:38 ). See App-164 .
with = together with: i.e. in conjunction (not association). Greek. sun. App-104 .
about. Greek. peri. App-104 . Eli, Eli, lama sabachtnani. The English transliteration of the Greek, which is the Greek transliteration of the Aram, ' eli , ' eli , lamah 'azabhani. The whole expression is Aramaic. See App-94 . Words not reported in Luke or John. Quoted from Psalms 22:1 . See the notes there. Thus, with the Lord's last breath He gives Divine authority to the O.T. See App-117 . Note the "seven words" from the cross: (1) Luke 23:34 ; (2) Luke 23:43 ; (3) John 19:26 , John 19:27 ; (4) Matthew 27:46 ; (5) John 19:28 ; (6) John 19:30 ; (7) Luke 23:46 .
the veil. Greek. katapetasma = that which is spread out downward, or that which hangs down. Septuagint for Hebrew. masak, (Exodus 26:37 ; Exodus 35:12 ; Exodus 40:5 ). Occ only here; Mark 15:38 . Luke 23:45 .Hebrews 6:19 ; Hebrews 9:3 ; Hebrews 10:20 . Not the same word as in 1 Corinthians 11:15 , or as in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16 (Exodus 34:33 , &c).
in = into. Greek. eis. Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 27:5 , Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:29 , Matthew 5:40 , Matthew 5:43 , Mat 5:59 , Mat 5:60 .
from the top = from above, as in Luke 1:3 . See note there. Greek. anothen. First of thirteen occurrences.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: Matthew 27:51-53 .
arose = were waked. All the texts read "were raised". Is this the resurrection referred to in Romans 1:3 ? See notes there. Greek. egersis = awaking rousing up, or arising. Occurs only here. Compare John 12:24 . They thus fulfilled the Lord's word in John 5:25 .
new = Greek. kainos. See note on Matthew 9:17 ; Matthew 26:28 , Matthew 26:29 . Here = not newly hewn, but fresh; i.e. unused and as yet undefiled by any dead body.
tomb = monument. Greek. mnemeion.
sepulchre = tomb, as above. Not the same word as in Matthew 27:61 .
departed. When Joseph rolled the stone against the door he departed; when the angel rolled it away, he "sat upon it" (Matthew 28:2 ).
After three days. They had heard the Lord say this in Matthew 12:39 , Matthew 12:40 . This is how they understood the "three days and three nights". See App-144 and App-166 ,; compare "after" in Matthew 27:53 .
a watch = a guard: the word being a transliteration of the Latin custodia, consisting of four soldiers (Acts 12:4 ). See note there. Greek. koustodia. Occurs only in Matthew (here, and in Matthew 28:11 ).
and setting a watch = with (Greek. meta, as in verses: Matthew 27:34 , Matthew 27:41 , Matthew 27:54 . Not as in verses: Matthew 27:7 , Matthew 27:38 ) the watch: i.e. in the presence of the watch, leaving them to keep guard.
Bibliographical Information Bullinger, Ethelbert William. "Commentary on Matthew 27". "Bullinger's Companion bible Notes". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bul/matthew-27.html. 1909-1922.
Verse 1
against. Greek. kata. App-104 .
Jesus. App-98 .
to put Him, &c. = so that they might put Him, &c.
Verse 3
which had betrayed Him = that delivered Him up.
repented himself. Greek. matamelomai . App-111 .
the thirty pieces, &c. Compare Matthew 26:15 .
Verse 4
sinned. App-128 . Literally "I sinned".
the innocent. (No Art.) The innocence of the Lord affirmed by six witnesses, three in Matthew and three in Luk_:1 . Judas (Matthew 27:4 );
2. Pilate (Matthew 27:24 );
3. Pilate's wife (Matthew 27:19 );
4. Herod (Luke 23:15 );
5. the malefactor (Luke 23:41 );
6. the Roman centurion (Luke 23:47 ).
innocent. Greek. athoos. Occurs only here, and Matthew 27:24 .
blood. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole person, with a latent reference to Matthew 27:6 . Compare verses: Matthew 24:25 .Psalms 94:21 .Proverbs 1:11 .
What . . . &c. Ignoring both the Lord's innocence and Judas's guilt. see thou to that = thou wilt see [to it]. see. App-133 .
Verse 5
in. Greek. en . App-104 . But all the texts read eis = into (vi) the Sanctuary, over the barrier into the Sanctuary.
Temple = the Sanctuary. Greek. naos. See note on Matthew 23:16 .
hanged himself. Greek. apagchomai . Occurs only here. Acts 1:18 describes what took place, in consequence, afterward. He must have been hanging before he could "fall forward". See note there. Greek. apagcho. Occurs only here (Matthew 27:5 ) in N.T. Septuagint for hanak. 2 Samuel 17:23 , only of Ahithophel, the type of Judas (Psalms 55:14 , Psalms 55:15 ). See note on Acts 1:18 .
Verse 6
because = since.
Verse 7
bought = purchased with money in the market. In Acts 1:18 , the word is not agorazo, as here, but ktaomai = acquired as a possession by purchase. Acts 1:18 refers to quite another transaction. See App-161 . There is no "discrepancy" except that which is created by inattention to the Greek words used.
with = out of. Greek. ek. App-104 .
field. Greek. agros, not chorion = a small holding, as in Acts 1:18 .
to bury strangers in = for (Greek. eis. App-104 .) a burying ground (Greek. taphe. Occurs only here) for foreigners.
Verse 9
spoken. Not "written", either by Jeremiah or Zechariah, but "spoken" by Jeremiah. Greek. to rhethen, not ho gegraptai. See App-161 .
by = by means of, or by [the mouth of]. Greek. dia. App-104 .Matthew 27:1 .
Jeremy = Jeremiah. of = from. Greek. apo. App-104 .
children = sons. App-108 .
Verse 10
as = according to what. Greek. katha. Occurs only here.
appointed. Greek. suntasso. Occurs only in Matthew (here and Matthew 26:19 ).
Verse 11
Thou sayest = Thou thy self sayest [it]. A Hebraism.
Verse 12
of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 27:9 , Matthew 27:21 .
nothing. Note the occasions of the Lord's silence and speech.
Verse 14
never = not one.
word. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32 .
Verse 15
people = crowd.
would. Greek. thelo . App-102 .
Verse 16
Barabbas. Aramaic. See App-94 .
Verse 17
will = choose. App-102 .
Christ = Messiah. App-98 .
Verse 18
knew = was aware. Greek. oida.
for = on account of. Greek. dia.
Verse 19
on = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 . Not the same as in Matthew 25:30 .
unto. Greek. pros. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 27:27 , Matthew 27:33 ; but same as in Matthew 27:62 .
I have suffered = I suffered.
a dream. Greek. onar. See note on Matthew 1:20 .
because of. Greek. dia.
Verse 20
persuaded. See App-150 .
multitude = crowds.
ask = ask for (themselves).
Verse 22
crucified. See App-162 .
Verse 23
evil. Greek. kakos. App-128 .
cried = kept crying
Verse 24
Was made = arose, or was brewing.
washed. Greek. aponipto . Occurs only here. See App-136 .
innocent = guiltless.
of = from. Greek. apo. App-104 . Same as in verses: Matthew 27:9 , Matthew 27:57 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 27:12 , Matthew 27:29 , Matthew 27:48 .
blood. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , for murder, as in Matthew 23:35 .Deuteronomy 19:12 .Psalms 9:12 .Hosea 1:4 .
Person = [One].
see ye = ye will see. Greek. opsomai. App-133 .
Verse 25
on. Greek. epi . App-104 . Not the same as verses: Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:30 .
children = offspring. Greek. Plural of teknon. App-108 .
Verse 26
scourged. Greek. phragelloo. Occurs only here, and Mark 15:15 .
delivered Him = handed Him over.
Verse 27
common hall = Praetorium. In Mark 15:16 it is called the aule, or open courtyard (compare Matthew 26:3 ). In John 18:28 , John 18:33 ; John 19:9 , it is Pilate's house, within the aule.
unto = against. Greek. epi . App-104 . Not the same as in verses: Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:33 , Matthew 27:45 , Mat 19:62 .
band. Render "cohort" and omit "of soldiers". The cohort contained about 600 men.
Verse 28
scarlet = purple.
robe. Greek. chlamus. Occurs only here, and Matthew 27:31 .
Verse 29
crown. Greek. Stephanos (used by kings and victors); not diadema, as in Revelation 12:3 ; Revelation 13:1 ; Revelation 19:12 .
upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .
in. Greek. epi. App-104 . But all the texts read in (as in verses: Matthew 27:27 , Matthew 27:5 , Matthew 27:60 ).
mocked Him: as foretold by Him in Matthew 20:17-19 , but they were only ignorantly fulfilling His own word, as well as the Father's purpose.
Hail. ! Compare Matthew 28:9 .
Verse 30
upon = at. Greek. eis. App-104 .
smote = kept heating.
on. Greek. eis. Same word as "upon", Matthew 27:30 .
Verse 31
to = for to. Greek. eis (with Inf.) App-104 .
Verse 32
him = this [man].
compelled. See note on Matthew 5:41 .
Verse 33
unto. Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:27 , Matthew 27:45 , Mat 19:62 .
Golgotha. An Aramaic word, from the Hebrew Gulgoleth (see App-94 .Judges 9:53; Judges 9:53 . 2 Kings 9:35 ). Nothing is said about a "green hill". But an elevation, which we speak of as being a "head", "shoulder", or "neck". The Latin is calvaria = a skull. Hence Eng. Calvary.
Verse 34
They gave Him . . . drink. Note the five occasions on which this was done; and observe the accuracy of what is said, instead of creating "discrepancies":
1. On the way to Golgotha (Mark 15:23 = were offering, Imperfect Tense), He did not drink.
2. When they arrived there (Matthew 27:33 ), He tasted it, but would not drink.
3. Later, by the soldiers after He was on the cross (Luke 23:36 ), probably at their own meal.
4. Later still, a proposal made by some and checked by others, but afterward carried out (Matthew 27:48 ).
5. The last about the ninth hour, in response to the Lord's call (John 19:29 ).
vinegar. In the first case, it was wine (Greek. oinon) drugged with myrrh (see Mark 15:22 , Mark 15:23 ). 2. In the second case, it was "vinegar (Greek. oxos) mingled with gall" (Greek. chole) (Matthew 27:33 ). 3. In the third case, it was "sour wine" (Greek. oxos) , (Luke 23:36 ). 4. In the fourth case it was also "sour wine" (Greek. oxoa), (Matthew 27:48 , as in Matthew 27:34 ). 5. In the fifth case it was the same (Greek. oxoa) , (John 19:28 ). These then were the five occasions and the three kinds of drink.
tasted. See notes above. He would not. Greek. thelo.
Verse 35
ported His garments. This fulfilled Psalms 22:18 ; and marks a fixed point in the series of events, which determines the time of others.
Verse 36
watched = were keeping.
guard over. (Note the Imperf. Tense.)
Verse 37
set up over His head. This is not therefore the inscription written by Pilate and put upon the cross before it left Pilate's presence (John 19:19 ); this was brought after the dividing of the garments; and was probably the result of the discussion of John 19:21 , John 19:22 . See App-163 .
over. Greek. epano = up over. See note "upon", Matthew 28:2 .
THIS, &c. For these capital letters see App-48 .
Verse 38
Then. After the parting of the garments. See App-163 .
two thieves = two robbers. Greek. lestia. Therefore not the two "malefactors" (Greek. kakourgoi) of Luke 23:32 , who "were led with Him to be put to death", and came to Calvary and were crucified with Him (Luke 23:33 ). These two "robbers" were brought later. Note the word "Then" (Matthew 27:38 ). See App-164 .
with = together with: i.e. in conjunction (not association). Greek. sun. App-104 .
one on, &c. See App-164 .
Verse 39
passed = were passing. Another indication that it was not the Passover day. See App-166 .
Verse 40
Thou that, &c. Perverting the Lord's words (John 2:19 ). Compare Matthew 6:18 .
the Son of God. App-98 .
from = off. Greek. apo. App-104 . Same as in w. 42, 45, 55, 64.
Verse 41
also the chief priests = the chief priests also.
said = kept saying.
Verse 42
He saved. Note the Alternation here, in the Greek. In Eng. it is an Introversion. j | Others k | He saved j | Himself k | He cannot save.
others. App-124 .
cannot = is not (Greek. ou, as in Matthew 27:6 ) able to.
If he be, &c. The condition is assumed. See App-118 . All the texts omit "if", and read "he is" (in irony).
Verse 43
trusted. See App-150 . Quoted from Psalms 22:8 .
if He will. The condition assumed, as in Matthew 27:42 . Compare Psalms 18:19 ; Psalms 41:11 .
Verse 44
cast . . . teeth = kept reviling Him. Both the robbers reviled; but only one of the malefactors (Luke 23:39 , Luke 23:40 ). See App-164 .
Verse 45
the sixth hour. Noon. See App-165 .
there was darkness. No human eyes must gaze on the Lord's last hours.
land. Greek. ge. App-109 .
unto = until. See App-165 .
the ninth hour. 3pm. See App-165 .
Verse 46
about. Greek. peri. App-104 . Eli, Eli, lama sabachtnani. The English transliteration of the Greek, which is the Greek transliteration of the Aram, ' eli , ' eli , lamah 'azabhani. The whole expression is Aramaic. See App-94 . Words not reported in Luke or John. Quoted from Psalms 22:1 . See the notes there. Thus, with the Lord's last breath He gives Divine authority to the O.T. See App-117 . Note the "seven words" from the cross: (1) Luke 23:34 ; (2) Luke 23:43 ; (3) John 19:26 , John 19:27 ; (4) Matthew 27:46 ; (5) John 19:28 ; (6) John 19:30 ; (7) Luke 23:46 .
Verse 47
Elias. Greek for Elijah. Mistaken by the hearers for the Hebrew (or Aramaic) 'eliy-yah.
Verse 48
vinegar. Greek. oxos. See notes on Matthew 27:34 .
gave = was offering.
Verse 49
will come = is coming. Reference to Mai. Matthew 4:5 .
Verse 50
ghost = spirit. Greek. pneuma. See App-101 .
Verse 51
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .
the veil. Greek. katapetasma = that which is spread out downward, or that which hangs down. Septuagint for Hebrew. masak, (Exodus 26:37 ; Exodus 35:12 ; Exodus 40:5 ). Occ only here; Mark 15:38 . Luke 23:45 .Hebrews 6:19 ; Hebrews 9:3 ; Hebrews 10:20 . Not the same word as in 1 Corinthians 11:15 , or as in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16 (Exodus 34:33 , &c).
in = into. Greek. eis. Not the same word as in verses: Matthew 27:5 , Matthew 27:19 , Matthew 27:29 , Matthew 5:40 , Matthew 5:43 , Mat 5:59 , Mat 5:60 .
from the top = from above, as in Luke 1:3 . See note there. Greek. anothen. First of thirteen occurrences.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton in verses: Matthew 27:51-53 .
rent = were rent.
Verse 52
graves = tombs.
arose = were waked. All the texts read "were raised". Is this the resurrection referred to in Romans 1:3 ? See notes there. Greek. egersis = awaking rousing up, or arising. Occurs only here. Compare John 12:24 . They thus fulfilled the Lord's word in John 5:25 .
Verse 53
out of. Greek. ek.
after. Gr . meta. App-104 .
resurrection = arising He rose: they were raised.
the holy city. See note on Matthew 4:5 .
appeared: privately. Greek. emphanizo. See App-106 .
Verse 54
saw = having seen.
Verse 55
beholding. Greek. theoreo. App-133 .
afar off = from (Greek. apo. App-104 .) afar.
which = who : i.e. such as.
Galilee. App-169 .
Verse 56
which. Denoting a class: referring to Matthew 27:55 .
Zebedee's. See note on Matthew 4:21 .
Verse 57
also himself = himself also.
was, &c. = had been discipled to Jesus.
Verse 58
He = This [man]. The Lord was thus buried by two secret disciples. See John 19:38 , John 19:39 . Compare Mark 15:42 , Mark 15:43 .Luke 23:50-53 .
delivered = given up. Compare Matthew 18:25-34 .
Verse 60
laid it. See note on Isaiah 53:9 .
new = Greek. kainos. See note on Matthew 9:17 ; Matthew 26:28 , Matthew 26:29 . Here = not newly hewn, but fresh; i.e. unused and as yet undefiled by any dead body.
tomb = monument. Greek. mnemeion.
sepulchre = tomb, as above. Not the same word as in Matthew 27:61 .
departed. When Joseph rolled the stone against the door he departed; when the angel rolled it away, he "sat upon it" (Matthew 28:2 ).
Verse 61
Mary . . . Mary. See App-100 .
sepulchre. Greek. taphos = burying-place. Not the same -word as in Matthew 27:60 .
Verse 62
that followed. This was the "high Sabbath" of John 19:42 , not the weekly Sabbath of Matthew 28:1 . See App-156 .
the day of the preparation. See App-156 and App-166 .
Verse 63
Sir. See App-98 .
remember = [have been] reminded.
deceiver = impostor.
After three days. They had heard the Lord say this in Matthew 12:39 , Matthew 12:40 . This is how they understood the "three days and three nights". See App-144 and App-166 ,; compare "after" in Matthew 27:53 .
Verse 64
made sure = secured.
the third day. See App-148 .
the dead. See App-139 .
error = deception.
the first. They do not say what the first was. It may be the crucifixion itself.
Verse 65
Ye have. Or, Ye may have.
a watch = a guard: the word being a transliteration of the Latin custodia, consisting of four soldiers (Acts 12:4 ). See note there. Greek. koustodia. Occurs only in Matthew (here, and in Matthew 28:11 ).
can = know [how]. Greek. oida. App-132 .
Verse 66
and setting a watch = with (Greek. meta, as in verses: Matthew 27:34 , Matthew 27:41 , Matthew 27:54 . Not as in verses: Matthew 27:7 , Matthew 27:38 ) the watch: i.e. in the presence of the watch, leaving them to keep guard.