Mark 15:44

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.

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 Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.

45 When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

46 So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.