Luke 23:52

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

This [man] went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

Complete Jewish Bible:

This man approached Pilate and asked for Yeshua’s body.

Berean Standard Bible:

He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

American Standard Version:

this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

This{G3778} man went{G4334} unto Pilate{G4091}, and begged{G154} the body{G4983} of Jesus{G2424}.

Cross-References (KJV):

John 19:38

  • ¶ 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 19:42

  • There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

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Commentary for Luke 23:52

Luke 23:52, "This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus," is a verse that captures a pivotal moment following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The "man" referred to in the verse is Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus who had not consented to the council's decision and actions against Jesus (Luke 23:50-51). The historical context is set during the Roman occupation of Judea, where Pilate served as the Prefect or Governor, and it was under his authority that Jesus was crucified.

The themes present in this verse include the courage and faith of Joseph, who risked his social standing and possibly his safety by approaching the Roman authority to request the body of Jesus. This act was significant because it was customary for the bodies of crucified individuals, especially those convicted of treason or sedition, to be left on the cross as a deterrent to others. Joseph's request was an act of reverence and compassion, ensuring that Jesus would receive a proper burial according to Jewish customs.

Furthermore, this verse underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, as Jesus' burial in a new tomb, as later described in the same chapter (Luke 23:53), aligns with the prophetic descriptions of the Messiah's death and burial (Isaiah 53:9). The act of burying Jesus in a tomb also sets the stage for the resurrection, a central tenet of Christian faith, which is the belief in Jesus' victory over death.

In summary, Luke 23:52 encapsulates the themes of loyalty, compassion, and prophetic fulfillment against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Judean history. Joseph of Arimathea's bold action in seeking Jesus' body from Pilate reflects the profound impact of Jesus' life and teachings on his followers, and it serves as a prelude to the resurrection narrative that follows.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: G3778
    There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὗτος
    Transliteration: hoûtos
    Pronunciation: how'-tahee
    Description: from the article ὁ and αὐτός; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):--he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
  2. Strong's Number: G4334
    There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: προσέρχομαι
    Transliteration: prosérchomai
    Pronunciation: pros-er'-khom-ahee
    Description: from πρός and ἔρχομαι (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto).
  3. Strong's Number: G4091
    There are 53 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Πιλᾶτος
    Transliteration: Pilâtos
    Pronunciation: pil-at'-os
    Description: of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. firm; Pilatus, a Roman:--Pilate.
  4. Strong's Number: G154
    There are 196 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αἰτέω
    Transliteration: aitéō
    Pronunciation: ahee-teh'-o
    Description: of uncertain derivation; to ask (in genitive case):--ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require. Compare πυνθάνομαι.
  5. Strong's Number: G4983
    There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σῶμα
    Transliteration: sōma
    Pronunciation: so'-mah
    Description: from σώζω; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.
  6. Strong's Number: G2424
    There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
    Transliteration: Iēsoûs
    Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.