Keraia
Matthew 27

Matthew 27:58

The Burial of Jesus · Matthew 27:57–61
Read Matthew 27

Translations

Modern
He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
Traditional
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
Literal
Having gone to Pilate, he asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given up.
Latin
…hic accessit ad Pilatum, et petiit corpus Jesu. Tunc Pilatus jussit reddi corpus.

Original

Greek
English
He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.

Notes

Matthew 27:58

  • In Roman crucifixion, the bodies of criminals were often left on the cross until they rotted. Jewish law, however, did not allow this. Deuteronomy 21:22–23 forbids leaving a body on a cross or gallows overnight. Joseph of Arimathea acted in line with this law when he asked for the body of Jesus. His request also showed his loyalty to Jesus.

  • Pilate ordered: Pilate agreed to Joseph’s request and gave the order. He likely did this because he did not believe Jesus was guilty of rebellion against Rome (see Matthew 27:24–26).

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate Women Named Mary

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 53:9–12 Mark 15:42–47 Luke 23:50–56 John 19:38–42

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Glossary

Body of Christ Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Mary Passion Procurator Tomb

Topics

Friendship: The Marys, and Joseph of Arimathaea, for Jesus 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 Love to Christ: Joseph of Arimathaea Love: 0F Man for Jesus Love: Love for Jesus: Joseph of Aramathaea Pontius Pilate: Allows Joseph of Arimathaea to Take Jesus' Body Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Buried with the Rich: Fulfilled