Matthew 28:14

ἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ, either: if this come to the ears of, etc., as in A. V [161], or: if this come to a hearing, a trial, before, etc., as in R. V [162] margin. The latter is preferred by many modern commentators. The reading ἐπὶ τ. ἡ. suits the second sense best. Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:19. ἡμεῖς, emphatic, implying a great idea of their influence, on their part. πείσομεν, will persuade him; how not said, money conceivably in their minds. Kypke renders: will appease; so also Loesner (“aliquem pacare vel precibus vel donis”), citing examples from Philo. The ordinary punishment for falling asleep on the watch was death. Could soldiers be persuaded by any amount of money to run such a risk? Of course they might take the money and go away laughing at the donors, meaning to tell their general the truth. Could the priests expect anything else? If not, could they propose the project seriously? The story has its difficulties. ἀμερίμνους, free from grounds of anxiety; guaranteed against all possible unpleasant consequences. Bengel's comment on this verse is: “Quam laboriosum bellum mendacii contra veritatem!”

[161] Authorised Version.

[162] Revised Version.