Matthew 27:64

An Exegetical Analysis of εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας in Matthew 27:64 and Ancient Time-Reckoning

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας in Matthew 27:64 and Ancient Time-Reckoning is based on a b-greek discussion from May 30, 2006. The initial query highlights a perceived temporal discrepancy in Matthew 27:64. The Jewish authorities recall Jesus’ prophecy of rising μετα τρεισ ημερασ (‘after three days’) but request a guard be set εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας (‘until the third day’). The original contributor questioned the logical efficacy of a guard set “until the third day” if the resurrection was “after three days,” suggesting a temporal misalignment that would render the guard moot. Further questions were raised regarding the precise definition of “the third day” for Pilate, considering different calendrical systems and timekeeping conventions.

The core exegetical issue under consideration revolves around the precise temporal interpretation of phrases related to the resurrection narratives, specifically the apparent tension between “after three days,” “on the third day,” and “until the third day.” This issue is rooted in understanding ancient time-reckoning, particularly the Jewish inclusive counting method, where any part of a day is typically counted as a full day. Reconciling these seemingly disparate temporal expressions requires an appreciation for this historical-cultural context, which is crucial for accurate biblical interpretation and for understanding the narrative’s internal consistency. The discussion specifically addresses how “until the third day” would have been understood in antiquity to fully encompass the period during which the predicted event was expected.

κελευςον ουν αςφαλιςθηναι τον ταφον εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας, μηποτε ελθοντες οι μαθηται αυτου κλεψωσιν αυτον και ειπωσιν τω λαω, ηγερθη απο των νεκρων, και εςται η εςχατη πλανη χειρων της πρωτης. (Matthew 27:64, Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The wording of the phrase εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας itself is identical in both Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010.
• Minor orthographic differences exist in other words in the verse, primarily regarding breathing marks and accents (e.g., οὖν vs ουν, ἀσφαλισθῆναι vs αςφαλιςθηναι, τάφον vs ταφον, μαθηταὶ vs μαθηται, etc.), which do not impact the meaning of the key phrase.
• Punctuation also varies slightly between the two editions but does not alter the grammatical function or meaning of the specified phrase.

Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG): The phrase εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας in Matthew 27:64 is textually stable in critical editions like NA28, with no significant variants that alter its meaning. Lexically, the preposition εως (heōs) functions as a temporal marker, meaning ‘until’ or ‘up to a point in time’ (BDAG 287). The genitive phrase τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας (tēs tritēs hēmeras, ‘of the third day’) specifies this temporal limit. τρίτος (tritos, ‘third’) indicates ordinal position (BDAG 1007), and ἡμέρα (hēmera, ‘day’) refers to a twenty-four-hour period or the daylight portion (BDAG 439-440). Relevant to this context, scholarly works such as KITTEL’s TDNT discuss the pervasive nature of inclusive time-reckoning in ancient Jewish culture, where any part of a day counted as a full day, and a period described as “three days” would include the day of commencement, the intervening day, and the day of conclusion.

Translation Variants

The grammatical structure of εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας is a prepositional phrase using εως with the genitive case, indicating the temporal limit “until the third day.” Rhetorically, the perceived tension between “after three days” (μετα τρεισ ημερασ) and “until the third day” (εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας) is resolved by understanding ancient inclusive time-reckoning. In this system, “until the third day” implies that the guard would remain active throughout the third day, anticipating the event to occur on or by the end of that day. This aligns perfectly with the resurrection occurring “on the third day.” For instance, if crucifixion occurs on Friday (Day 1), Saturday is Day 2, and Sunday is Day 3. A guard “until the third day” would cover Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ceasing their watch at the point the resurrection was expected to occur on Sunday. This inclusive counting means that “after three days” could semantically overlap with “on the third day,” as the event takes place *following* the completion of the second day but *within* the third day, covering the entire three-day span. Pilate’s potential confusion, as suggested in the original query, would be alleviated by this standard ancient convention, which requires the guard to be in place throughout the critical period.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegesis of εως τῆς τρίτης ἡμέρας in Matthew 27:64 underscores the critical importance of understanding ancient Jewish inclusive time-reckoning. This cultural nuance effectively reconciles the various temporal expressions concerning the resurrection, confirming their theological and narrative coherence. The guard was requested to remain precisely until the moment the predicted resurrection was to occur on the third day, thus attempting to prevent any fabrication of the event.

1. “Order therefore that the tomb be secured until the third day.” This is the most literal and direct translation, preserving the precise Greek phrasing. It assumes the reader’s awareness of ancient inclusive time-reckoning, where the security measures would extend through the third day.
2. “Order therefore that the tomb be secured throughout the third day.” This translation emphasizes the duration and inclusiveness of the guarding period, making explicit that the entire third day is covered by the security, thereby anticipating the event expected on that day.
3. “Order therefore that the tomb be secured until the completion of the third day.” This interpretive translation offers greater clarity for a modern audience by specifying that the guard’s duty extends to the end of the third day, providing a clearer temporal boundary for the anticipated resurrection event.