Mark 15:44

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

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 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached,

43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)

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

45 The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body.

46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.