Sir represents the same Greek word rendered “Lord” when used of Jesus, though it may also be used in a purely honorific sense, as it is here. Matthew may have intentionally chosen this word in order to contrast Jesus, the true Lord (see 28.18), with Pilate.

Imposter (so most modern English translations) derives in Greek from the same stem as does the noun “fraud” in verse 64; Good News Translation shows the relationship between the two words by translating “liar … lie” in the two passages. New International Version here retains “deceiver” of the King James Version tradition. The accusation that Jesus was an imposter is also reflected in another early Christian source: “a godless and lawless sect was begun by Jesus a Galilean imposter [the same Greek word used here]. We crucified him, but during the night his disciples stole his body from the grave … and so they are deceiving people” (Justin, k Dialogues Against Tryphok*, 108).

I will rise again may also be translated “I will rise again to life,” “I will be raised to life again,” or “God will raise me to life again” (see comment at 16.21).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .