Structures in Matthew 27

Further thoughts on the structures of Matthew 27, focusing on verses 45-66.

Verses 45-54 can be seen either as a panel structure or as two chiasms. In the panel structure, each panel begins with Jesus crying out in a loud voice:

A. Jesus’ “cry of dereliction,” v 46

B. Reaction of hearers, v 47-49

A’. Jesus cries “again with a loud voice” and dies, v 50

B’. Reaction of earth and soldiers, vv 51-54

Alternatively, this section can be seen as two small chiasms:

A. Jesus cries out, v 46

B. He calls for Elijah, v 47

C. Someone gets a sponge soaked in wine, v 48

B’. Let’s see if Elijah comes, v 49

A’. Jesus cries out again, v 50

The second chiasm, somewhat less obvious, goes from verse 51 to 54:

A. Veil of temple torn, v 51a

B. Earthquake, rocks split, v 51b

C. Tombs open, many bodies raised, v 52

D. Saints enter Jerusalem after resurrection, v 53a

C’. Appear to “many,” v 53b

B’. Soldiers see earthquake and other happenings, v 54a

A’. Confession, v 54b

Verses 55-61 are organized with a fairly obvious chiasm:

A. Women watching from a distance, vv 55-56

B. Joseph of Arimathea asks for body of Jesus, vv 57-58a

C. Pilate gives body to Joseph, v 58b

B’. Joseph prepares body and places it in tomb, vv 59-60

A’. Women sit opposite the grave, v 61

The final verses of chapter 27 might also be seen as a simple chiasm:

A. Priests and Pharisees gather to Pilate, v 62

B. Request for a guard, v 63a

C. Last deception worse than the first, v 63b

B’. Pilate grants guard, v 65

A’. Priests and Pharisees go away to secure grave, v 66