Luke 23:52 kjv
This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:52 nkjv
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:52 niv
Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body.
Luke 23:52 esv
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:52 nlt
He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.
Luke 23 52 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mt 27:57-58 | As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph… | Direct parallel, names Joseph, specifies rich. |
| Mk 15:43 | Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council… went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. | Direct parallel, emphasizes boldness. |
| Jn 19:38 | Later, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—though secretly… | Direct parallel, clarifies secret discipleship. |
| Deut 21:22-23 | If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death… you must not leave the body on the pole overnight. | Jewish law requiring quick burial for hanged bodies. |
| 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. | Disciples taking down Jesus' body for burial. |
| Isa 53:9 | He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death. | Prophecy fulfilled through Joseph (rich man). |
| 1 Cor 15:3-4 | ...that Christ died for our sins… that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day… | Burial as essential truth and precursor to resurrection. |
| Jn 12:42 | Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith… | Explains why some, like Joseph, were secret disciples. |
| Mk 15:44 | Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Calling the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. | Pilate's verification of death, prerequisite for body release. |
| Heb 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists… | Joseph's act as demonstration of faith. |
| Prov 28:1 | The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. | Joseph's courage despite risk. |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God… | Contrast to earlier secrecy; boldness for Christ. |
| 2 Tim 1:7-8 | For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline… | Principle of courage in proclaiming/acting on faith. |
| Eph 3:12 | In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. | Freedom and confidence shown in Joseph's request. |
| Ps 16:10 | You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. | Foreshadows Jesus' body not decaying. |
| Gen 23:1-20 | Sarah died in Kiriath Arba… and Abraham went to mourn… Later Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of Machpelah. | Importance of proper burial in ancient Jewish culture. |
| Acts 2:23-24 | This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan… you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead… | God's overarching plan for Jesus' death and resurrection, including his burial. |
| Lk 23:50-51 | Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council… who had not consented to their decision and action. | Immediate context for Joseph's character and non-participation in condemnation. |
| Jn 19:39 | With him came Nicodemus, who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes… | Nicodemus joins Joseph, highlighting shared faith. |
| Lk 8:16-17 | No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand… For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed… | Illustrates a progression from secret faith to open action. |
Luke 23 verses
Luke 23 52 Meaning
Luke 23:52 describes Joseph of Arimathea's bold action in approaching Pontius Pilate to request the body of Jesus. This act was crucial for Jesus to receive a proper burial according to Jewish custom, preventing the ignominy of being left on the cross or thrown into a common grave reserved for criminals. It underscores Joseph's faith and courage as a disciple, even at the risk of personal danger and social disgrace.
Luke 23 52 Context
Luke 23:52 occurs immediately after Jesus' death on the cross and the unique divine phenomena accompanying it (darkness, torn temple veil). The immediate preceding verses (Lk 23:50-51) introduce Joseph of Arimathea as "a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action" (referring to the Sanhedrin's condemnation of Jesus), and "he was waiting for the kingdom of God." This character description sets the stage for his courageous act.
Historically and culturally, crucifixion was designed not only to execute but also to humiliate, often leaving the bodies exposed for days. Jewish law, however, stipulated that a body hanged on a tree should be buried the same day to avoid desecration of the land (Deut 21:22-23). With the Passover Sabbath approaching at sunset, there was a pressing need for Jesus' body to be taken down. Joseph's initiative was crucial as Jewish custom for handling the dead dictated a prompt burial, ideally before sunset. As Pilate held the authority over the bodies of crucified criminals, obtaining permission was mandatory. This act by Joseph defied potential social censure from his peers in the Sanhedrin and risk of Roman suspicion.
Luke 23 52 Word analysis
- He: Refers to Joseph of Arimathea, introduced in Lk 23:50. His specific character, as "a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action," gives weight to his subsequent courage. His act is particularly notable as it comes from a man of stature, yet a secret disciple (as stated in other Gospels), who now acts openly.
- went: Greek: proselthōn (προσελθὼν), meaning "having come to," "approaching." This simple word belies the significance of the action. It implies a deliberate and potentially risky move. To approach the Roman governor in such a capacity after a state execution, especially given the controversy surrounding Jesus, required immense courage and determination.
- to Pilate: Refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Prefect of Judea. He alone held the authority to release a crucified body for burial. This direct approach shows Joseph's understanding of Roman jurisdiction and his commitment to proper burial, regardless of the perceived status of Jesus as a criminal by the authorities. It also highlights Pilate's power in life-and-death matters, including after death.
- and asked: Greek: ēitēsato (ᾐτήσατο), "he requested," "he demanded." This indicates a formal request or plea, not just a casual inquiry. Given the custom of leaving bodies on crosses, this was not a standard procedure for a criminal and needed official approval. The directness of the request emphasizes Joseph's resolve.
- for the body: Greek: to sōma (τὸ σῶμα). This specifies the physical remains of Jesus. The immediate goal was to secure Jesus' corpse, preventing further disgrace. A body unburied was seen as a profound dishonor. Securing the body was essential not only for a Jewish burial but also, providentially, to ensure that the tomb was occupied, making the later resurrection an undeniable historical fact.
- of Jesus: Specifies whose body Joseph sought. The identity of the executed person as "Jesus" carries profound theological weight. This is not merely the body of a criminal, but the Messiah, God incarnate. The focus on Jesus' body prepares for the core tenet of the Christian faith: the bodily resurrection.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "He went to Pilate": This phrase emphasizes Joseph's active, bold initiative. Unlike many followers who dispersed in fear, Joseph directly confronts the seat of Roman power, signaling a courageous shift from his earlier private discipleship to open action. This act, coming from a respected council member, holds significant weight.
- "and asked for the body of Jesus": This concise phrase encapsulates Joseph's singular purpose. The request for the "body" underscores the physical reality of Jesus' death and the subsequent need for proper interment. It sets the stage for the burial narrative, which is crucial for authenticating the resurrection. Joseph's action is not a passive reception but an assertive claim to honor the deceased Messiah.
Luke 23 52 Bonus section
- The willingness of Pilate to grant the request quickly (as implied, and stated in Mk 15:44-45, where he only first confirms Jesus' death) suggests that Pilate, perhaps weary of the political turmoil Jesus' trial had caused, might have been surprisingly accommodating to a respected member of the Sanhedrin seeking a dignified end to the affair.
- Joseph's action highlights the concept that faith is not always quiet and private. While initially a secret disciple, the critical moment of Jesus' death stirred him to open, courageous action, transforming his belief into a public testimony. This progression from private conviction to public declaration serves as an example for believers to not be ashamed of the gospel, even in challenging circumstances.
- This verse sets up the stage for the specific tomb where Jesus would be laid, which later proves empty. The detailed attention given to Joseph, the tomb's owner (as seen in other Gospels), and the formal request for the body establishes the verifiable reality of the burial location, crucial for verifying the resurrection.
Luke 23 52 Commentary
Luke 23:52 is a pivotal verse, concise yet packed with profound implications. It describes Joseph of Arimathea, a man of notable character (Lk 23:50-51), taking a momentous step of faith. At a time when Jesus' other disciples had largely scattered, and publicly associating with Jesus meant great risk and potential disgrace, Joseph bravely approaches Pilate. His action wasn't just a legal necessity but a deeply personal one, driven by his devotion to Jesus and his conviction that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited King.
This scene highlights divine providence. Despite the gruesome death, God ensured that His Son's body would not be left exposed or dishonored. Joseph's courage served as the instrument of this preservation. The fact that a "good and upright man" and "a member of the Council" carried out this duty fulfilled prophetic scriptures (Isa 53:9). This public demonstration of loyalty from Joseph, a high-ranking official, stands in stark contrast to the cowardice and fear shown by many. His seeking the "body of Jesus" was vital: it underscored the physical reality of Jesus' death, a prerequisite for the truth of His bodily resurrection, making any later claims of hallucination or swoon impossible. Joseph's humble, courageous, and practical act secures the crucial first step towards Easter morning.