Matthew 27 57

Matthew 27:57 kjv

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Matthew 27:57 nkjv

Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

Matthew 27:57 niv

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.

Matthew 27:57 esv

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.

Matthew 27:57 nlt

As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus,

Matthew 27 verses

Matthew 27 57 Meaning

Matthew 27:57 describes the timely arrival of Joseph of Arimathea after Jesus' crucifixion. As evening approached, this wealthy man, identified as a disciple of Jesus, came forward to undertake the solemn task of burying Jesus. The verse highlights his origin, his status as a man of means, and most significantly, his spiritual allegiance to Jesus, which had perhaps been discreet until this critical moment. His appearance marks a pivotal shift, fulfilling prophecy and initiating the burial narrative.

Matthew 27 57 Context

Matthew 27:57 immediately follows the description of Jesus' death on the cross and the dramatic events accompanying it: the tearing of the temple curtain, earthquakes, and the resurrection of saints. This verse shifts the focus from Jesus' passion to His post-mortem care and burial, which was critically important for Jewish law (bodies of executed persons not to remain exposed overnight, Dt 21:23) and also for validating the resurrection account later. Historically and culturally, a condemned criminal typically faced dishonorable burial in a common pit, possibly outside the city walls. For Jesus to receive a burial in a rock-hewn tomb belonging to a wealthy man was highly unusual and significant. The Jewish authorities, the Sanhedrin, would have been deeply concerned with proper disposal before the Sabbath, particularly because of the Paschal Sabbath, which was considered "high." Joseph's timely arrival fulfills the specific legal and prophetic requirements.

Matthew 27 57 Word analysis

• When evening came: (ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης - opsias de genomenēs). The Greek term opsia typically denotes the late afternoon, specifically the time from around 3 PM until sundown (6 PM). This timing is crucial. Jewish law mandated that anyone executed must be buried before nightfall, especially before the Sabbath (Dt 21:23). Since Jesus died around 3 PM, Joseph's action had to be swift. This phrase subtly indicates divine orchestration, ensuring the legal and prophetic fulfillment.
• there came a rich man: (ἦλθεν ἄνθρωπος πλούσιος - ēlthen anthrōpos plousios).
  • Came (ēlthen): Implies deliberate action and initiative, not a chance encounter. Joseph took a risk by associating publicly with a condemned man.
  • Rich man (plousios): In Jewish society, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's favor, but Jesus also warned about the spiritual dangers of riches (Mt 19:23). Joseph defies the common stereotype of the rich being unwilling or unable to follow Christ, and his wealth was instrumental here in providing a private, new tomb as prophecied (Isa 53:9).
• from Arimathea: (ἀπὸ Ἀριμαθαίας - apo Arimathaias). Arimathea's precise location is debated among scholars, but it was likely a town in Judea, possibly Ramathaim-zophim (the hometown of Samuel). Its mention emphasizes Joseph's identity as a respectable local figure, not merely an unknown. It indicates he was likely not one of Jesus' close Galilean followers, further highlighting the diversity of Jesus' discipleship.
• named Joseph: (τοὔνομα Ἰωσήφ - t’onoma Iōsēf). A common Jewish name, specifying his identity, yet distinguishes him from other individuals in the narratives. His identity as Joseph becomes linked to his courageous act of burial.
• who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus: (ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἐμαθητεύθη τῷ Ἰησοῦ - hos kai autos emathēteuthē tō Iēsou).
  • Himself had also become (kai autos emathēteuthē): The Greek verb emathēteuthē is in the aorist passive, emphasizing that he was discipled or made a disciple by Jesus. This denotes a deliberate decision and acceptance of Jesus' teaching, indicating he was a genuine follower, not just an admirer. The "also" (kai) implies he was one among others who followed Jesus. His inclusion here highlights that there were "hidden" disciples in prominent positions.
  • Disciple (mathētēs implied by the verb): A mathētēs was more than just a casual follower; it implied allegiance, learning, and often imitation of the teacher. Joseph's previous discipleship might have been discreet, as John 19:38 confirms (secretly, for fear of the Jews), but in this crucial moment, his loyalty became undeniably public through a demanding act.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "When evening came, there came...": This phrase signifies the precise and timely intervention of God's providence. At the darkest hour, with Jesus dead and seemingly no one to care for His body respectfully, God raises up an unlikely figure. It underlines the urgency dictated by the Jewish Sabbath law.
  • "A rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph": This provides the identity of an individual perfectly suited by God's design. His wealth meant he had resources (like a tomb); his location (from Arimathea, not Jerusalem) suggests he might have been slightly removed from the immediate, intense Jerusalem opposition, potentially allowing him the necessary boldness. His status (as Mk and Lk add, a council member) lends authority to his request and public declaration of allegiance.
  • "Who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus": This final clause provides the critical motivation for his unprecedented action. It redefines him from merely a "rich man" to someone intimately connected with Jesus, willing to act in costly faith. This subverts the expectation that all powerful Jewish leaders opposed Jesus and that rich men could not be genuine disciples. It reveals the quiet, unseen work of God in unlikely places, preparing hearts even among the ruling class.

Matthew 27 57 Bonus section

It is significant that Joseph of Arimathea is described by all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), confirming his crucial role and historical reality. While Matthew highlights his wealth, Mark and Luke emphasize his high social standing as a "respected member of the Council" (Mk 15:43) or "a member of the Council, a good and righteous man" who "had not consented to their decision and deed" against Jesus (Lk 23:50-51). John specifically calls him a disciple "but secretly, for fear of the Jews" (Jn 19:38). These additional details enrich Matthew's concise description, showing a complete picture of a man who held a position of influence within the very Jewish leadership that condemned Jesus, yet secretly revered Him, and whose faith finally moved from quiet conviction to audacious action at Jesus' darkest hour. His possession of a new tomb (Mt 27:60) ensures the unique and undisturbed nature of Jesus' resting place, paramount for proving the subsequent resurrection. His action was also a necessary act of mercy, ensuring that Jesus' body was treated with honor, not dishonor, validating the Lord's purity and righteousness even in death.

Matthew 27 57 Commentary

Matthew 27:57 serves as a poignant illustration of divine providence, human courage, and prophecy fulfilled. As darkness falls, both literally (evening) and spiritually (Jesus' death), Joseph of Arimathea emerges as a beacon of faithfulness. He is identified first by his wealth and origin, then by his profound yet possibly hidden discipleship. His wealth, typically a spiritual hindrance, becomes God's provision for Jesus' burial, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9 ("with the rich in his death"). His actions were risky; public association with a condemned criminal meant potential defilement, social ostracism, and political repercussions from the Jewish leaders and even Pilate. However, driven by genuine devotion to Jesus, he boldly approaches Pilate, a significant public declaration of allegiance. Joseph, alongside Nicodemus, stands in stark contrast to the fleeing apostles, demonstrating that true discipleship might manifest at unexpected times and from unexpected people, highlighting God's ability to use all individuals, even those who might have previously been discreet in their faith, to achieve His perfect will. This verse is a testament to the powerful, transformative nature of the Gospel, capable of moving hearts from secrecy to courageous, sacrificial service.