Keraia
Mark 15

Mark 15:45

The Burial of Jesus · Mark 15:42–47
Read Mark 15

Translations

Modern
When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
Traditional
And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Literal
And having known from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
Latin
Et cum cognovisset a centurione, donavit corpus Joseph.

Original

Greek
English
When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

Notes

Mark 15:43–45

Joseph of Arimathea: He was possibly from Ramathaim, a village about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Jerusalem. A respected member of the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin), he was also a secret follower of Jesus. He was waiting for the kingdom of God to come (see Matthew 27:57; Luke 23:50–51; John 19:38). He bravely asked Pilate for the body of Jesus so he could bury it.

As a prominent Council member who was not known as a disciple, his request supported Rome's interests. This addressed Jewish concerns about leaving the dead exposed after sunset (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). It also prevented the disciples of Jesus from receiving the body.

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate Women Named Mary

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 53:9–12 Matthew 27:57–61 Luke 23:50–56 John 19:38–42

People

Joseph: Of Arimathea, buried Jesus in his own tomb

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Centurion Gospel Mark, Gospel of Mary Passion

Topics

Centurion: A Commander of Approximately One-Hundred Soldiers in the Roman Army 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 Pontius Pilate: Allows Joseph of Arimathaea to Take Jesus' Body