44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.
44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died.
44 Pilate questioned whether he could be dead that soon and called for the captain to verify that he was really dead.
44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time.
44 Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 15:44
Commentary on Mark 15:42-47
(Read Mark 15:42-47)
We are here attending the burial of our Lord Jesus. Oh that we may by grace be planted in the likeness of it! Joseph of Arimathea was one who waited for the kingdom of God. Those who hope for a share in its privileges, must own Christ's cause, when it seems to be crushed. This man God raised up for his service. There was a special providence, that Pilate should be so strict in his inquiry, that there might be no pretence to say Jesus was alive. Pilate gave Joseph leave to take down the body, and do what he pleased with it. Some of the women beheld where Jesus was laid, that they might come after the sabbath to anoint the dead body, because they had not time to do it before. Special notice was taken of Christ's sepulchre, because he was to rise again. And he will not forsake those who trust in him, and call upon him. Death, deprived of its sting, will soon end the believer's sorrows, as it ended those of the Saviour.