Mark 15:43
New International Version
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

New Living Translation
Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)

English Standard Version
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
having come, Joseph from Arimathea, a prominent Council member, who was also himself waiting for the kingdom of God, having boldness, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

King James Bible
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

New King James Version
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself also waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

NASB 1995
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

NASB 1977
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Legacy Standard Bible
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent Council member, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Amplified Bible
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent and respected member of the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God—and he courageously dared to go in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went in to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

American Standard Version
there came Joseph of Arimath�a, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
A man named Joseph from Arimathea was brave enough to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph was a highly respected member of the Jewish council, and he was also waiting for God's kingdom to come.

English Revised Version
there came Joseph of Arimathaea, a councillor of honourable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
when Joseph arrived. He was from the city of Arimathea and was an important member of the Jewish council. He, too, was waiting for the kingdom of God. Joseph boldly went to Pilate's quarters to ask for the body of Jesus.

International Standard Version
Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Council, who was waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Joseph of Arimathea, a highly regarded member of the council, who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
Joseph of Arimathaea came, a highly respected member of the Council, who himself also was living in expectation of the Kingdom of God. He summoned up courage to go in to see Pilate and beg for the body of Jesus.

World English Bible
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who also himself was waiting for the Kingdom of God, came, boldly entered in to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
having come, Joseph from Arimathea, a prominent Council member, who was also himself waiting for the kingdom of God, having boldness, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, who also himself was waiting for the reign of God, came, boldly entered in unto Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus.

Smith's Literal Translation
Joseph came from Arimathea, a distinguished counsellor, who also himself was expecting the kingdom of God, having ventured, he went in to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
there arrived Joseph of Arimathea, a noble council member, who himself was also awaiting the kingdom of God. And he boldly entered to Pilate and petitioned for the body of Jesus.

New American Bible
Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There came Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counsellor, who was also waiting for the kingdom of God; and he dared and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yoseph came, who was from Ramtha, an honorable counselor who had been waiting for the Kingdom of God, and he ventured and entered to Pilate and requested the body of Yeshua.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who was himself looking for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
Joseph, who is from Arimathea, an honorable councilor, who also himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; having taken courage came to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
Joseph, who was from Arimathea, came, a respectable person, a counsellor, and who himself also was expecting the kingdom of God; taking courage, he went in to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Mace New Testament
one Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable senator, who was himself in expectation of the kingdom of God, ventur'd to come and wait upon Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
Joseph of Arimathaea came, a highly respected member of the Council, who himself also was living in expectation of the Kingdom of God. He summoned up courage to go in to see Pilate and beg for the body of Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
there came Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable councillor; who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God; and boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
or the day before the sabbath,) Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counsellor, who also was expecting the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Burial of Jesus
42Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43Joseph 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. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.…

Cross References
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.

Matthew 27:57-60
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. / So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ...

Luke 23:50-53
Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, / who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. ...

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

John 3:1-2
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. / He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

Acts 13:29
When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

John 19:39-42
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. / Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ...

Matthew 27:57
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus.

Luke 23:51
who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.

John 12:42
Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Matthew 27:58
He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.

Luke 23:52
He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

John 19:31
It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.

Acts 2:23
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.


Treasury of Scripture

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

an.

Mark 10:23-27
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! …

which.

Luke 2:25,38
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him…

Luke 23:51
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

and went.

Mark 14:54,66
And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire…

Matthew 19:30
But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Jump to Previous
Arimathaea Arimathea Arimathe'a Beg Body Boldly Council Councillor Counsellor Counselor Courage Craved Expectation Fear High Highly Honorable Honour Honourable Jesus Joseph Kingdom Looking Member Pilate Prominent Request Respected Responsible Summoned Waited Waiting
Jump to Next
Arimathaea Arimathea Arimathe'a Beg Body Boldly Council Councillor Counsellor Counselor Courage Craved Expectation Fear High Highly Honorable Honour Honourable Jesus Joseph Kingdom Looking Member Pilate Prominent Request Respected Responsible Summoned Waited Waiting
Mark 15
1. Jesus brought bound, and accused before Pilate.
6. Upon the clamor of the people, the murderer Barabbas is released,
12. and Jesus delivered up to be crucified.
16. He is crowned with thorns, spit on, and mocked;
21. faints in bearing his cross;
27. hangs between two thieves;
29. suffers the triumphing reproaches of the crowd;
39. but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of God;
42. and is honorably buried by Joseph.














Joseph of Arimathea
Joseph of Arimathea is introduced as a significant figure in the burial of Jesus. His name suggests he hailed from Arimathea, a town of uncertain location, possibly identified with Ramathaim-Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. Joseph is described in the Gospels as a respected member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, which adds a layer of complexity to his character, as he was part of the group that condemned Jesus. However, his actions demonstrate a courageous departure from the council's decision, indicating his personal conviction and faith. The name "Joseph" itself, meaning "He will add" in Hebrew, may symbolize the addition of a new chapter in the unfolding account of Jesus' death and resurrection.

a prominent Council member
This phrase highlights Joseph's status and influence within the Jewish community. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he held a position of authority and respect. The Greek term used here, "euschēmōn," implies not only prominence but also a sense of honor and integrity. Joseph's decision to approach Pilate and request Jesus' body reflects a bold and risky move, as it could have jeopardized his standing among his peers. His actions suggest a deep reverence for Jesus and a willingness to act according to his beliefs, even at personal cost.

who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God
This phrase reveals Joseph's spiritual anticipation and hope. The "kingdom of God" was a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's sovereign rule and the fulfillment of His promises. Joseph's expectation of the kingdom indicates that he was a devout Jew, looking forward to the messianic age. His faith in the coming kingdom aligns him with the followers of Jesus, who believed that Jesus' life and ministry were the inauguration of this divine reign. This expectation may have motivated Joseph to honor Jesus in death, recognizing Him as the Messiah.

boldly went to Pilate
Joseph's approach to Pilate is described as "bold," underscoring the courage required for such an action. The Greek word "tolmaō" conveys a sense of daring and confidence. Pilate, the Roman governor, had the authority to grant or deny requests regarding the bodies of the crucified. By going to Pilate, Joseph risked associating himself with a condemned criminal, which could have led to social and political repercussions. His boldness is a testament to his commitment to Jesus and his desire to ensure that Jesus received a proper burial.

to ask for the body of Jesus
This request is significant both legally and theologically. Legally, Roman custom often left crucified bodies unburied as a deterrent to crime, but Jewish law required burial, even for executed criminals, before sundown. Joseph's request aligns with Jewish customs and demonstrates his respect for the law. Theologically, the burial of Jesus is a crucial element of the Gospel narrative, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being with the rich in His death. Joseph's actions ensure that Jesus' body is treated with dignity, setting the stage for the resurrection.

(43) Joseph of Arimathsea.--The account given of him is fuller than in St. Matthew. The phrase, "which also waited for the kingdom of God," has its parallel in Luke 23:51.

Went in boldly.--Better, waxed bold, and went in. There is an implied contrast between his boldness now and his previous timidity.

Verse 43. - Joseph of Arimathaea. St. Jerome says that this city was called Ramathaim-Zophim (the lofty place), where dwelt Elkanah and Hannah of old, and where Samuel was born. Joseph was most probably a native of Arimathaea; but he was now a citizen and counsellor of Jerusalem. He was an honorable counsellor (εὐσχήμων βουλευτής), a councillor of honorable estate (Revised Version). St. Matthew says he was a rich man. It is evident that he regarded himself as a settled inhabitant of Jerusalem, since he had thus provided himself with a place of sepulture. He was waiting for (προσδεχόμενος) - literally, looking for - the kingdom of God. St. Matthew (Matthew 27:57) says that he was a disciple of Jesus. These circumstances explain his desire to bury our Lord. He boldly went in (τολμήσας εἰσῆλθε) - literally, he took courage and went in - unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. A poor man would not have dared to approach Pilate for such a purpose as this. St. Chrysostom says, "The courage of Joseph is greatly to be admired, in that, for the love of Christ, he exposed himself to the danger of death." The fact that he was "looking for the kingdom of God" explains his conduct. It shows that he believed in Christ, and through his grace hoped for everlasting salvation; and in this hope he thought little of shelving his reverence for Christ, and so" boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Joseph
Ἰωσὴφ (Iōsēph)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2501: Joseph, a proper name. Of Hebrew origin; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

Arimathea,
Ἁριμαθαίας (Harimathaias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 707: Arimathea, a place in Palestine. Of Hebrew origin; Arimathaea, a place in Palestine.

[a] prominent
εὐσχήμων (euschēmōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2158: From eu and schema; well-formed, i.e. decorous, noble.

Council member
βουλευτής (bouleutēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1010: From bouleuo; an adviser, i.e. a councillor or member of the Jewish Sanhedrin.

who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

himself
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

waiting for
προσδεχόμενος (prosdechomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4327: From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

boldly
τολμήσας (tolmēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5111: To dare, endure, be bold, have courage, make up the mind. From tolma; to venture; by implication, to be courageous.

went
ἐλθὼν (elthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

Pilate
Πιλᾶτον (Pilaton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

to ask for
ᾐτήσατο (ētēsato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 154: To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

body
σῶμα (sōma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

of Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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