Joseph Ἰωσήφ
Of Arimathea, buried Jesus in his own tomb
Who is Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and prominent member of the Jewish council who became a secret disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57, John 19:38). Though he had not consented to Jesus' condemnation, Joseph demonstrated remarkable courage after the crucifixion by boldly requesting Jesus' body from Pilate and placing it in his own new tomb hewn from rock (Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53). Described as a good and righteous man, Joseph wrapped Jesus in clean linen and sealed the tomb with a stone, providing an honorable burial that fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 that the Messiah would be buried with the rich. His selfless act of devotion stands as a significant moment in the gospel narrative, showing how even a fearful follower could find courage to honor Jesus in his darkest hour.
Biography
Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and prominent member of the Jewish council (Mat.27.57; Mrk.15.43). He was a disciple of Jesus but secretly out of fear of the Jewish leaders (Jhn.19.38). Joseph is described as a good and righteous man who had not consented to the council's decision to condemn Jesus (Luk.23.50-51). After Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph boldly asked Pilate for Jesus' body (Mrk.15.43; Jhn.19.38). He took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb, which had been cut out of rock (Mat.27.59-60; Mrk.15.46; Luk.23.53). The tomb was then sealed with a large stone (Mat.27.60). Joseph's actions fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be buried with the rich (Isa.53.9). His selfless act provided a proper burial for Jesus and demonstrated his devotion and respect for the Lord.
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 4 with study contentMatthew 2 verses
- Matthew 27:57
"When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 27:59
"So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"
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Mark 2 verses
- Mark 15:43
"Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus."
Study Mark → - Mark 15:45
"When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph."
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Luke 1 verse
- Luke 23:50
"Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man,"
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John 1 verse
- John 19:38
"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."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἰωσήφ | Iōsḗph | Joseph, the name of seven Israelites |