And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead,.... For death, by crucifixion, was a slow lingering death; persons that were in their full strength hung a great while before they expired; and the two thieves, which were crucified with Christ, were not dead when he was:
and calling unto him the centurion; who was set to watch him:
he asked him, whether he had been any while dead; he inquired of him, whether he was dead, and how long he had been dead.