SEV Biblia, Chapter 27:36
Y sentados le guardaban allí.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 27:36
Verse 36. They watched him] To prevent his disciples or relatives from taking away the body or affording any relief to the sufferer.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 36. And sitting down, they watched him there .] That is, the soldiers, after they had crucified Jesus, and parted his garments, sat down on the ground at the foot of the cross, and there watched him, lest his disciples should take him down; though there was no need to fear that, since they were few, and weak, and wanted courage, and were in the utmost dread and consternation themselves; or lest the people, who were very changeable with respect to Christ, one day saying Hosanna to the son of David, and another day crucify him, crucify him, should once more change their sentiments of him, and through pity to him rise and take him down; or rather, lest Jesus himself should, by his miraculous power, unloose himself, come down, and make his escape. It was usual with the Romans to set a soldier, or soldiers, to watch those that were crucified, not only before they expired, but after they were dead, lest they should be took down and buried; as appears from Petronius, Plutarch, and others f1686 . This seems to be the watch Pilate refers to, ( Matthew 27:65), and over which there was a centurion, ( Matthew 27:54).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 35-44 - It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that eve his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified with him at the same time, two robbers. He was, at his death, numbered among the transgressors, that we, at our death, might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers he received are here recorded. The enemie of Christ labour to make others believe that of religion and of the people of God, which they themselves know to be false. The chie priests and scribes, and the elders, upbraid Jesus with being the Kin of Israel. Many people could like the King of Israel well enough, if he would but come down from the cross; if they could but have his kingdo without the tribulation through which they must enter into it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those that would reign with him must be willing to suffer with him. Thus our Lord Jesus, havin undertaken to satisfy the justice of God, did it, by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute particular recorde about the sufferings of Christ, we find some prediction in the Prophet or the Psalms fulfilled.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ καθημενοι 2521 5740 V-PNP-NPM ετηρουν 5083 5707 V-IAI-3P αυτον 846 P-ASM εκει 1563 ADV
Vincent's NT Word Studies
36. Watched (ethroun). Or, to give the force of the imperfect tense, kept watch. This was to prevent the infliction of wanton cruelties, and also to prevent what sometimes happened, the taking down and restoring of the victim.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
27:36 {Watched him there} (eteroun auton ekei). Imperfect tense descriptive of the task to prevent the possibility of rescue or removal of the body. These rough Roman soldiers casting lots over the garments of Christ give a picture of comedy at the foot of the Cross, the tragedy of the ages.
