Matthew 27:54
New International Version
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

New Living Translation
The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

English Standard Version
When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the centurion and those with him keeping guard over Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things taking place, feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was God's Son."

King James Bible
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

New King James Version
So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

New American Standard Bible
Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

NASB 1995
Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

NASB 1977
Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was God’s Son!”

Amplified Bible
Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, they were terribly frightened and filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Christian Standard Bible
When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son!”

American Standard Version
Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Contemporary English Version
The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, "This man really was God's Son!"

English Revised Version
Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
An army officer and those watching Jesus with him saw the earthquake and the other things happening. They were terrified and said, "Certainly, this was the Son of God!"

Good News Translation
When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, "He really was the Son of God!"

International Standard Version
When the centurion and those guarding Jesus with him saw the earthquake and the other things that were taking place, they were terrified and said, "This man certainly was the Son of God!"

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, "Truly this one was God's Son!"

New Heart English Bible
Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Weymouth New Testament
As for the Captain and the soldiers who were with Him keeping guard over Jesus, when they witnessed the earthquake and the other occurrences they were filled with terror, and exclaimed, "Assuredly he was God's Son."

World English Bible
Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake, and the things that were done, were exceedingly afraid, saying, “Truly this was God’s Son.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the centurion and those with him keeping guard over Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things taking place, feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was God's Son."

Young's Literal Translation
And the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake, and the things that were done, were exceedingly afraid, saying, 'Truly this was God's Son.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the centurion, and they with him, observing Jesus, having seen the shaking, and the things having been, were greatly afraid, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake, and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying: Indeed this was the Son of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the centurion and those who were with him, guarding Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were very fearful, saying: “Truly, this was the Son of God.”

New American Bible
The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

New Revised Standard Version
Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, saw the earthquake and all that happened, they were very much frightened, and they said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Centurion and those who were guarding Yeshua, when they saw the quake and those things that happened, they were very afraid, and they said, “Truly, this was The Son of God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and what was done, were greatly afraid, and said: Of a truth, this was the Son of God.

Godbey New Testament
And the centurion and those watching Jesus with him, seeing the earthquake, and the things which took place, feared exceedingly, saying, Surely this was the Son of God.

Haweis New Testament
Then the centurion, and they who were with him, guarding Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things which were done, were exceedingly terrified, saying, Assuredly this was the Son of God.

Mace New Testament
now the centurion, and they that were with him, to guard Jesus, having observ'd the earthquake, and all that had happened, were under great apprehensions, and said, certainly this was the son of God.

Weymouth New Testament
As for the Captain and the soldiers who were with Him keeping guard over Jesus, when they witnessed the earthquake and the other occurrences they were filled with terror, and exclaimed, "Assuredly he was God's Son."

Worrell New Testament
And the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, seeing the earthquake, and the things that were taking places were exceedingly frightened, saying, Truly, This was a Son of God!"

Worsley New Testament
And when the centurion, and they that were with him guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake, and what was done, they were sore afraid, and said, This was indeed the Son of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Jesus
53After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When 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.” 55And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him.…

Cross References
Mark 15:39
When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

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

John 19:34-37
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. / The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. / Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” ...

Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” / “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. ...

Acts 10:1-2
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. / He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.

Acts 16:29-31
Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. / Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” / They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 1:4
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.

Psalm 22:16-18
For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. / I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. / They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

Isaiah 53:5-6
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Zechariah 12:10
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Exodus 12:46
It must be eaten inside one house. You are not to take any of the meat outside the house, and you may not break any of the bones.

Numbers 9:12
they may not leave any of it until morning or break any of its bones. They must observe the Passover according to all its statutes.

Psalm 34:20
He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.

Isaiah 45:23
By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.


Treasury of Scripture

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

the centurion.

Matthew 27:36
And sitting down they watched him there;

Matthew 8:5
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

saw.

Mark 15:39
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Luke 23:47
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

feared.

2 Kings 1:13,14
And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight…

Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 16:29,30
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, …

Truly.

Matthew 27:40,43
And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross…

Matthew 26:63
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Luke 22:70
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

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Matthew 27
1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.
3. Judas hangs himself.
19. Pilate, admonished of his wife,
20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.
27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;
33. crucified;
39. reviled;
50. dies, and is buried;
62. his tomb is sealed and watched.














When the centurion
The centurion was a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. The presence of a centurion at the crucifixion underscores the Roman authority overseeing the execution. Historically, centurions were known for their discipline and leadership. The Greek word "κεντυρίων" (kentyrion) reflects a man of authority and experience, suggesting that his testimony carries weight. His role in this narrative highlights the intersection of Roman power and divine revelation.

and those with him
This phrase refers to the soldiers under the centurion's command. These men were likely hardened by their duties, accustomed to the brutality of crucifixions. Their presence emphasizes the collective witness to the supernatural events surrounding Jesus' death. The Greek "οἱ μετ’ αὐτοῦ" (hoi met' autou) indicates a group, reinforcing the idea that this was not an isolated observation but a shared experience.

guarding Jesus
The soldiers were tasked with ensuring the execution was carried out and that no disturbances occurred. The Greek "τηροῦντες" (tērountes) implies vigilance and watchfulness. This duty was routine for them, yet the events they witnessed were anything but ordinary. Their role as guards becomes ironic as they become witnesses to the divine nature of the one they were executing.

saw the earthquake
Earthquakes in biblical times were often seen as manifestations of divine intervention. The Greek "σεισμὸν" (seismon) suggests a significant seismic event, symbolizing the earth's response to the death of its Creator. This natural phenomenon would have been interpreted as a sign of God's power and presence, shaking not only the ground but the very understanding of those who witnessed it.

and all that had happened
This phrase encompasses the supernatural occurrences at the crucifixion, including the darkness and the tearing of the temple veil. The Greek "τὰ γενόμενα" (ta genomena) indicates a series of events, each contributing to the realization of Jesus' divine identity. These occurrences were beyond human control, pointing to a higher power at work.

they were terrified
The reaction of fear is significant, as it shows a recognition of the divine. The Greek "ἐφοβήθησαν" (ephobēthēsan) conveys a deep, reverential fear, acknowledging that they were in the presence of something holy and beyond their understanding. This fear is not just of the events but of the realization of who Jesus truly was.

and exclaimed
The soldiers' exclamation is a verbal acknowledgment of their realization. The Greek "εἶπαν" (eipan) indicates a declaration, a public confession of belief. This moment of revelation is pivotal, as it marks a turning point from skepticism to faith.

Truly this was the Son of God!
This confession is profound, coming from a Roman centurion and his men. The Greek "ἀληθῶς Θεοῦ Υἱὸς ἦν οὗτος" (alēthōs Theou Huios ēn houtos) is a powerful statement of faith, recognizing Jesus' divine nature. In a conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledgment by Gentiles foreshadows the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries, affirming the universal lordship of Christ. This declaration serves as a testament to the truth of Jesus' identity, even in the face of death, and inspires believers to recognize and proclaim the divinity of Christ in their own lives.

(54) Truly this was the Son of God.--St. Luke's report softens down the witness thus borne into "Truly this Man was righteous." As reported by St. Matthew and St. Mark (Mark 15:39), the words probably meant little more than that. We must interpret them from the stand-point of the centurion's knowledge, not from that of Christian faith, and to him the words "Son of God" would convey the idea of one who was God-like in those elements of character which are most divine--righteousness, and holiness, and love. The form of expression was naturally determined by the words which he had heard bandied to and fro as a taunt (Matthew 27:43); and the centurion felt that the words, as he understood them, were true, and not false, of the Sufferer whose death he had witnessed. That the words might have such a sense in the lips even of a devout Jew, we find in the language of a book probably contemporary, and possibly written with some remote reference to our Lord's death--the so-called Wisdom of Solomon (Wisd. ii. 13, 16-18). In the last of these verses, it will be noted, the terms "just man" and "son of God" appear as interchangeable.

Verse 54. - The centurion, and they that were with him. The officer with the small body of soldiers appointed to perform and take charge of the Crucifixion. St. Matthew relates the impression which these events made upon the soldiers' minds. Saw those things that were done. Instead of this reading, which has high authority, Alford, Tischendorf, Westcott and Hort read, "that were being done," as the Vulgate, quae fiebant. This would point especially to the loud cry, in accordance with the words of St. Mark, "saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost." But there is no sufficient reason for altering the Received Text; and plainly it was not merely the closing incident that affected the soldiers, but the whole course of events which they witnessed. They saw the darkness, the earthquake, the rending of the rocks, the Divine meekness of the Sufferer; they heard his last words, his loud cry, and marked his patient death. All these things contributed to their awe and fear. They feared greatly. This crucified Man must be something more than human, for all these wonders to accompany his death: will he not visit upon us our part in his crucifixion? Have we nothing to fear from his vengeance? Some such course their apprehensions may have taken. But they learned something beyond selfish dread of possible danger. Truly this was the Son (Υιὸς, anarthrous, Son) of God; or, according to St. Luke, "Certainly this was a righteous Man." They recognized his innocence, and acknowledged that he suffered unjustly. What the centurion meant (for the words appear to have been his) by calling him "Son of God" is more doubtful. It may have been on his lips merely an affirmation that Jesus was holy and beloved by God; but more probably it meant much more than this. He knew that Christ claimed to be the Son of God, and in this hour of overwhelming awe he felt that the claim was just, whatever it might mean. This crucified Person was at least a hero or a demigod, or that which the words would imply in a Jewish sense, though he knew only imperfectly what was signified thereby. Tradition affirms that the centurion's name was Longinus, that he became a devoted follower of Christ, preached the faith, and died a martyr's death.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(Ho)
Article - Nominative 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
ἑκατόνταρχος (hekatontarchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1543: A centurion of the Roman army. Or hekatontarchos hek-at-on'-tar-khos; from hekaton and archo; the captain of one hundred men.

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

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

guarding
τηροῦντες (tērountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

saw
ἰδόντες (idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

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.

earthquake
σεισμὸν (seismon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4578: A shaking (as an earthquake); a storm. From seio; a commotion, i.e. a gale, an earthquake.

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

all that
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had happened,
γενόμενα (genomena)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

they were terrified
ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

[and] said,
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Truly
Ἀληθῶς (Alēthōs)
Adverb
Strong's 230: Truly, really, certainly, surely. Adverb from alethes; truly.

this
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the] Son
Υἱὸς (Huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of God.?
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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