Mark 15:44

44 But Pilate could hardly believe that He was already dead. He called, however, for the Centurion and inquired whether He had been long dead;

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 Towards sunset, as it was the Preparation--that is, the day preceding the Sabbath--

43 Joseph of Arimathaea came, a highly respected member of the Council, who himself also was living in expectation of the Kingdom of God. He summoned up courage to go in to see Pilate and beg for the body of Jesus.

44 But Pilate could hardly believe that He was already dead. He called, however, for the Centurion and inquired whether He had been long dead;

45 and having ascertained the fact he granted the body to Joseph.

46 He, having bought a sheet of linen, took Him down, wrapped Him in the sheet and laid Him in a tomb hewn in the rock; after which he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.