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Mark 15:44

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 15:44 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Mark 15:44 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
41who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him; and many other women that came up with him unto Jerusalem.
42And when even was now come, because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
43there came Joseph of Arimathaea, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
44And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.
46And he bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
47And Mary Magdalene and Mary the [mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead, etc..] For death, by crucifixion, was a slow lingering death; persons that were in their full strength hung a great while before they expired; and the two thieves, which were crucified with Christ, were not dead when he was: and calling unto him the centurion; who was set to watch him: he asked him, whether he had been any while dead; he inquired of him, whether he was dead, and how long he had been dead.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And Pilate marveled if - Wondered if he was dead, or wondered that he was so soon dead. It was not common for persons crucified to expire under two or three days, sometimes not until the sixth or seventh. Joseph had asked for the “body,” implying that he was dead. That he was, had been ascertained by the soldiers. See John 19:33. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Joh 19:31-37 Mark 15:45”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification