John 19:38 kjv
And 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.
John 19:38 nkjv
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.
John 19:38 niv
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.
John 19:38 esv
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.
John 19:38 nlt
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away.
John 19 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 19:38 | Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. | direct fulfillment |
| Matthew 27:57 | Joseph of Arimathea came and asked for the body. | parallels Matthew's account |
| Mark 15:43 | Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus' body. | parallels Mark's account |
| Luke 23:50 | Joseph, a counselor, asked for the body. | parallels Luke's account |
| John 19:39 | Nicodemus also came, bringing spices for burial. | shows Joseph wasn't alone |
| Matthew 27:58 | Joseph rolled a stone against the tomb. | shows Joseph's immediate action |
| Isaiah 53:9 | He was assigned a tomb with the wicked, but with the rich in his death. | prophetic fulfillment of burial |
| Mark 15:46 | Joseph bought a linen cloth and laid Him in it. | details of the burial process |
| John 12:42 | Many even of the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it. | explains why Joseph was secret |
| Acts 5:34-39 | Gamaliel advises caution regarding the apostles, mentioning previous leaders. | possible allusion to Joseph's status |
| John 3:1-21 | Nicodemus' dialogue with Jesus, highlighting belief vs. secrecy. | comparative discipleship |
| Philippians 2:8 | Jesus humbled himself, becoming obedient to death. | Joseph honors Jesus' humanity |
| Acts 1:12-14 | Disciples gathered together after the ascension. | marks a transition in discipleship |
| Luke 2:25 | Simeon waiting for the consolation of Israel. | Joseph's action aligned with divine plan |
| Matthew 27:62-66 | Jewish leaders ask Pilate for guards at the tomb. | contrast Joseph's respect with their fear |
| Romans 8:34 | Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God. | shows Jesus' ultimate victory beyond death |
| 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. | the purpose of Jesus' death |
| John 1:11 | He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. | context of Jewish rejection |
| 1 Corinthians 1:23 | We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. | Joseph's act defies this stumbling block |
| 1 Peter 2:24 | He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree. | the meaning of Jesus' death |
| John 19:16 | Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. | leads up to this point |
| John 19:40 | They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with spices. | continuation of the burial narrative |
John 19 verses
John 19 38 Meaning
This verse records Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, requesting Jesus' body from Pilate. He was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower due to fear of the Jewish leaders. This act of faith demonstrated his devotion and marked him as one who would ultimately serve openly.
John 19 38 Context
The immediate context is the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Pilate has given permission for the body to be taken down from the cross, an unusual request as bodies were often left to be scavenged. This occurs on the day of Preparation for the Sabbath. The Gospel of John highlights the divinity of Christ, and this act by Joseph, along with Nicodemus, points to the growing, albeit sometimes hidden, belief among those in authority. The disciples are scattered and in fear after Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea's request shows an act of public (to Pilate and the Roman soldiers) and respectful burial amidst great hostility.
John 19 38 Word analysis
Joseph: Greek: Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph). A common Jewish name. This Joseph is identified as from Arimathea, a town possibly in Judea or Samaria.
of Arimathea: Greek: Ἀριμαθαίας (Arimathaias). Indicates his town of origin.
a prominent member of the Sanhedrin: Greek: εἷς ὢν βουλευτὴς (heisōn bouletēs). This translates to "being a member of the council" or "counselor." He was a respected and influential man, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
who was also waiting for the kingdom of God: Greek: καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν προσδεχόμενος τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ (kai autos ēn prosdechomenos tēn basileian tou theou). This means he was anticipating and looking forward to God's kingdom, a key tenet of Jewish messianic hope.
asked Pilate: Greek: ἠρώτησεν τὸν Πιλᾶτον (ērōtēsen ton Pilaton). He directly approached Pilate, the Roman governor, to make his request.
for the body of Jesus: Greek: τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ (to sōma tou Iēsou). He specifically sought permission to take possession of Jesus' deceased body.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was also waiting for the kingdom of God": This phrase provides crucial background on Joseph. His status in the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court) signifies he was a man of authority and repute, but his secret anticipation of God's kingdom reveals a deeper loyalty to Jesus and the messianic movement than his public role suggested. This tension is key to understanding his actions. His belief aligned with prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and his kingdom, distinguishing him from many of his peers.
John 19 38 Bonus section
The timing of this request is critical. It is the "day of Preparation" (John 19:31), and the Sabbath is about to begin. Jewish law required that bodies not remain on crosses overnight, especially during a feast period. Joseph’s action fulfilled this requirement for Jesus while also ensuring a proper burial according to custom, preventing Jesus’ body from being disposed of as a common criminal’s, perhaps in a common grave or on Golgotha. His motive of honoring Jesus, coupled with Nicodemus bringing spices (John 19:39), emphasizes a belief in Jesus’ divinity and humanity, requiring the respect due to both. This private act by a public figure foreshadows the later open declarations of faith by other disciples after the resurrection.
John 19 38 Commentary
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a secret believer in Jesus, courageously asks Pilate for Jesus' body. This act of piety and faith, undertaken with probable fear of reprisal from his fellow council members, was an open demonstration of his discipleship, albeit a discreet one given the circumstances. It shows the pursuit of reverence for Jesus even in death, aligning with prophetic expectations of the Messiah's honorable burial. His request sets the stage for the respectful interment of Jesus, contrasting with the typical fate of crucified criminals.