Keraia
John 19

John 19:38

The Burial of Jesus · John 19:38–42
Read John 19

Translations

Modern
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.
Traditional
And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Literal
And after these things, Joseph from Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus (but concealed because of the fear of the Jews) asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave permission. Therefore he came and took away His body.
Latin
Post hæc autem rogavit Pilatum Joseph ab Arimathæa (eo quod esset discipulus Jesu, occultus autem propter metum Judæorum), ut tolleret corpus Jesu. Et permisit Pilatus. Venit ergo, et tulit corpus Jesu.

Original

Greek
English
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.

Notes

John 19:38

  • According to Luke's Gospel, Joseph of Arimathea was a brave man "waiting for the kingdom of God" (Luke 23:50–51). He was a wealthy and influential leader in Jerusalem and a member of the Jewish high council (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43). He disagreed with the decision to kill Jesus. He asked Pilate for permission to bury Jesus in his own tomb.

  • Joseph was a secret disciple (compare John 12:42–43). But his bold action showed his public support for Jesus.

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 53:9–12 Matthew 27:57–61 Mark 15:42–47 Luke 23:50–56

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Joseph: Of Arimathea, buried Jesus in his own tomb Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Places

Mizpah: A city in Benjamin; a place of gathering and judgment

Glossary

Arimathea Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Caesarea John, Gospel of Joseph Joseph of Arimathea Passion Preparation, Day of Procurator

Topics

Arimathea: A Town Five Miles North of Jerusalem Burial: Soon After Death Burial: The Right of all Nations Cowardice: Joseph of Arimathaea, Secretly a Disciple Jesus, the Christ: Taken Down from the Cross and Buried (Just Outside Jerusalem) Joseph: of Arimathaea: Begs for the Body of Jesus for Burial in his own Tomb Modern Judea: Towns of Arimathea Pontius Pilate: Allows Joseph of Arimathaea to Take Jesus' Body Public Opinion: Feared by Joseph of Arimathaea