Mark 15:44

44 Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He 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 When it was already evening, because it was preparation day (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went in to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.

44 Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died.

45 When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph.

46 After he bought some fine linen, he took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen. Then he placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.