Biblical earthquake at Jesus’ crucifixion confirmed true by latest research

By Tolulope Oke

A decade-old scientific study suggesting evidence of an earthquake around the time of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion has resurfaced online, reigniting global debate.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, geologists in 2012 discovered sediment disturbances near the Dead Sea that may align with the earthquake described in the Gospel of Matthew.

The biblical account states that “the earth shook” shortly after Jesus cried out on the cross.

Researchers examined sediment layers at Ein Gedi, about 25 miles from Jerusalem, where many scholars believe the crucifixion took place. Their findings revealed evidence of two significant earthquakes, one around 31 BC and another smaller seismic event dated between 26 and 36 AD.

The latter period coincides with the tenure of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor identified in the Bible as the official who presided over Jesus’ trial and ordered His execution. Many historians place the crucifixion around 33 AD.

Scientists said the sediment layers beneath the Dead Sea appeared bent and disturbed, suggesting ancient seismic activity. By studying yearly sediment deposits known as “varves,” researchers reconstructed a timeline of earthquakes in the region.

However, experts cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions. While the timeline overlaps with the biblical account, they noted that the quake could have been a separate event later woven into the narrative.

The study has gone viral on X, with some users hailing it as scientific confirmation of the Bible, while others questioned the precision of dating an earthquake more than 2,000 years later.

Scientists insist that modern techniques, including radiocarbon dating, sediment analysis and other geological methods — make it possible to determine seismic events that occurred thousands of years ago.

The Dead Sea region sits along the Dead Sea Transform fault line, an area known for frequent earthquakes over millennia.

Researchers concluded that three possibilities remain: the earthquake described in Matthew occurred as written; a nearby quake was incorporated into the Gospel account; or an unrecorded earthquake happened during that period.