A.T. Robertson Commentary Mark 15:45

"And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph." — Mark 15:45 (ASV)

Granted the corpse (εδωρησατο το πτωμα). This official information was necessary before the burial. As a matter of fact Pilate was probably glad to turn the body over to Joseph else the body would go to the potter's field. This is the only instance when πτωμα (cadaver, corpse) is applied to the body (σωμα) of Jesus, the term used in Mt 27:59; Luke 23:53; John 19:40).