Mark 15:44

44 Pilate wondered if Jesus was already dead. He called the centurion and asked him whether Jesus had already died.

Mark 15:44 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 15:44

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead
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.

Mark 15:44 In-Context

42 Since it was late in the afternoon on Preparation Day, just before the Sabbath,

43 Joseph from Arimathea dared to approach Pilate and ask for Jesus' body. (Joseph was a prominent council member who also eagerly anticipated the coming of God's kingdom.)

44 Pilate wondered if Jesus was already dead. He called the centurion and asked him whether Jesus had already died.

45 When he learned from the centurion that Jesus was dead, Pilate gave the dead body to Joseph.

46 He bought a linen cloth, took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in the cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been carved out of rock. He rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.