Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 26
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
εὐσχήμων
an honourable
G2158
εὐσχήμων
an honourable
Strong's:
G2158
Word #:
6 of 26
well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)
βουλευτής
counsellor
G1010
βουλευτής
counsellor
Strong's:
G1010
Word #:
7 of 26
an adviser, i.e., (specially) a councillor or member of the jewish sanhedrin
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
G846
αὐτὸς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
προσδεχόμενος
waited
G4327
προσδεχόμενος
waited
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
12 of 26
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
14 of 26
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τολμήσας
boldly
G5111
τολμήσας
boldly
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
17 of 26
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
19 of 26
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
24 of 26
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Cross References
Luke 2:38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.Luke 2:25And, 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.Matthew 27:57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:John 19:38And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, 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.
Historical Context
Sanhedrin members wielding religious and political authority typically avoided association with executed criminals. Joseph's request was shockingly countercultural—a respected leader publicly honoring one condemned as a blasphemer and insurrectionist. This could have cost him his council position and social standing. Pilate's agreement suggests respect for Joseph's status or desire to avoid Jewish unrest during Passover. That Jesus was buried in a rich man's tomb fulfilled Isaiah 53:9: And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death. Joseph's unused tomb meant Jesus's burial place was known, verifiable, and unquestionably empty three days later.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Joseph's transformation from secret to public discipleship teach about how crisis can clarify priorities and embolden faith?
- How does a respected religious leader honoring Jesus's body when apostles fled challenge assumptions about whose faith is strongest?
- Where might you be a secret disciple for fear of consequences, and what would bold identification with Christ cost?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor—Joseph came from Arimathea, likely Ramathaim-zophim northwest of Jerusalem. Honourable means prominent, respected, of high social standing. Counsellor identifies him as a Sanhedrin member, part of the 71-member ruling council. Luke 23:50-51 clarifies he was a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action—he dissented from the council's condemnation of Jesus. Which also waited for the kingdom of God—Joseph was a pious Jew anticipating Messiah's coming. His messianic hope led him to recognize Jesus's identity, making him a secret disciple (John 19:38). Went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus—The Greek verb means to dare, take a risk. Joseph's action was bold because publicly identifying with Jesus risked reputation, position, and potentially life.