✨WEB · Luke 23:51
What does Luke 23:51 mean?
"(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom:"
— Luke 23:51 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.
All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man
(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom:
this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.
Explanation
This verse is part of a longer description of Joseph of Arimathea, the man who requested Jesus' body from Pilate for burial. In plain language, Luke tells us three things about Joseph: first, that he had not agreed with the decision and action of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) to condemn Jesus to death; second, that he came from a town called Arimathea; and third, that he was a man who was looking forward to and awaiting the coming of God's Kingdom. This parenthetical note explains why a member of the ruling council would take the risky and compassionate step of caring for Jesus' body after the crucifixion.
The Gospel of Luke was written by the physician-companion of the apostle Paul, likely for a Gentile audience, probably associated with a man named Theophilus, to give an orderly and reliable account of the life of Jesus and the growth of the early church. In the surrounding verses (Luke 23:50-53), Luke identifies Joseph as "a member of the council, a good and righteous man." This is significant because the council, as a body, had just condemned J
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.