Mark 15:43

KJV

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Joseph {G2501} of {G575} Arimathaea {G707}, an honourable {G2158} counsellor {G1010}, which {G3739} also {G2532}{G846} waited {G4327} for {G2258} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, came {G2064}, and went in {G1525} boldly {G5111} unto {G4314} Pilate {G4091}, and {G2532} craved {G154} the body {G4983} of Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef of Ramatayim, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who himself was also looking forward to the Kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Yeshua's body.

Berean Standard Bible

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

American Standard Version

there came Joseph of Arimathæa, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:43 introduces Joseph of Arimathaea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin who, despite his prominent position, was a devout follower of God, eagerly anticipating the arrival of His kingdom. In a remarkable display of courage and devotion, especially given the perilous political climate, Joseph approached Pontius Pilate and boldly requested the body of Jesus for burial, an act that ensured a dignified interment for the crucified Messiah and fulfilled ancient prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the harrowing account of Jesus' crucifixion and death on the cross, detailed in [Mark 15:21-41](/mark/15-21-41 "Mark 15:21-41 - The Crucifixion of Jesus"). The preceding verses describe the darkness that fell over the land, the tearing of the temple veil, and the centurion's confession, all signaling the profound significance of Jesus' death. With Jesus' last breath recorded in [Mark 15:37](/mark/15-37 "Mark 15:37 - Jesus' Last Breath"), the narrative shifts from the public spectacle of the crucifixion to the intimate, yet urgent, matter of Jesus' burial. Joseph's appearance marks the beginning of the post-crucifixion events, setting the stage for the resurrection narrative that will follow in [Mark 16](/mark/16 "Mark 16 - The Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman practice typically left crucified bodies to rot on the cross or be thrown into a common grave, often as a further deterrent. However, Jewish law, as stipulated in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), mandated that the body of an executed person should not remain overnight on a tree but must be buried before sunset. Given that the crucifixion occurred on the day before the Sabbath (the "Day of Preparation" as noted in [Mark 15:42](/mark/15-42 "Mark 15:42 - The Day of Preparation")), there was immense pressure to remove the bodies before the Sabbath began at sundown, when all work, including burials, ceased. For a high-ranking member of the Sanhedrin like Joseph to approach the Roman governor for the body of a condemned criminal was an act fraught with social and political risk, openly associating himself with someone deemed an enemy of Rome and a blasphemer by the Jewish authorities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **courage and costly discipleship**, as Joseph steps forward when others have fled or are in hiding (cf. [Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee")). His action underscores the **sovereignty of God** in fulfilling prophecy, specifically [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Messiah's Burial with the Rich"), which foretold the Messiah's burial with the rich. Furthermore, Joseph's characterization as one who "waited for the kingdom of God" connects him to other devout individuals in the Gospels, such as Simeon in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon Awaits the Consolation of Israel") and Anna in [Luke 2:38](/luke/2-38 "Luke 2:38 - Anna Speaks of the Redemption of Jerusalem"), emphasizing the theme of **righteous expectation** for God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **honourable (Greek, _euschḗmōn'_):** From G2158, meaning "well-formed," but figuratively "decorous, noble (in rank)." This term indicates Joseph's high social standing and respectability within the community. It suggests he was a person of influence and good repute, making his subsequent bold action even more striking.
* **counsellor (Greek, _bouleutḗs'_):** From G1010, referring to an "adviser" or "member of the Jewish Sanhedrin." This confirms Joseph's membership in the highest Jewish judicial and religious council, the very body that had condemned Jesus. His request for Jesus' body was therefore an act of defiance against the collective decision of his peers, highlighting his personal conviction over institutional loyalty.
* **waited (Greek, _prosdéchomai'_):** From G4327, meaning "to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)." This word describes Joseph's spiritual posture: he was not merely passively waiting but actively anticipating the arrival and manifestation of God's kingdom, implying a deep spiritual receptivity and faith in God's redemptive plan, which Jesus embodied.
* **boldly (Greek, _tolmáō'_):** From G5111, meaning "to venture (objectively or in act); by implication, to be courageous." This adverb vividly portrays Joseph's demeanor as he approached Pilate. It suggests an act of daring, implying that such a request was unusual and potentially dangerous, requiring significant moral fortitude given the circumstances.
* **craved (Greek, _aitéō'_):** From G154, meaning "to ask (in genitive case), beg, call for, crave, desire, require." This verb indicates a strong, earnest request, not a casual inquiry. Joseph's "craving" underscores his deep desire and determination to secure Jesus' body for a proper burial, reflecting his profound reverence and commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor":** This clause introduces the key figure, identifying him by name and origin, "Arimathaea" (likely Ramah in Benjamin or Ephraim). His description as "an honourable counsellor" immediately establishes his high social status and position as a member of the Sanhedrin, setting up the dramatic tension of his subsequent actions.
* **"which also waited for the kingdom of God":** This phrase reveals Joseph's spiritual character and motivation. It signifies that he was a devout Jew, a secret disciple of Jesus, who shared the fervent expectation of God's sovereign rule and salvation, a hope that Jesus' ministry had ignited and which he believed Jesus would bring to fruition.
* **"came, and went in boldly unto Pilate":** This describes Joseph's decisive and courageous action. To "go in boldly" to Pilate, the Roman governor who had just condemned Jesus, was an act of immense personal risk, publicly associating himself with a crucified criminal and challenging the authority that had executed Him.
* **"and craved the body of Jesus":** This final clause states the purpose of Joseph's bold approach. His earnest "craving" for Jesus' body was driven by a desire to provide a dignified burial, preventing the ultimate dishonor of a common grave or exposure, and ensuring the fulfillment of Jewish burial customs before the Sabbath.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse to highlight Joseph's significance and the gravity of the moment. There is a strong sense of **contrast** between Joseph's high social standing and the ignominious death of Jesus, whom he now champions. This contrast is heightened by the **irony** that a member of the very council that condemned Jesus is now the one to honor Him in death. Joseph's character is developed through **characterization by action**, as his "bold" approach to Pilate speaks volumes about his courage and conviction, especially when many of Jesus' public followers had fled. The phrase "waited for the kingdom of God" serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at Joseph's pre-existing faith and setting the stage for his pivotal role in the burial, which itself is a necessary precursor to the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:43 profoundly illustrates the unexpected ways God works and the nature of true discipleship. Joseph of Arimathaea, a man of influence and status, steps out of the shadows of secret faith at the moment of Jesus' greatest humiliation, demonstrating a courage that many of Jesus' more public followers lacked. His act of claiming Jesus' body was not merely a logistical necessity but a profound statement of faith and reverence, ensuring that the Messiah's body was treated with honor, even in death. This action directly fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Messiah's Burial with the Rich"), which foretold that the suffering servant would be buried with the rich, underscoring God's meticulous providence even in the darkest hours. Joseph's example reminds us that faithfulness often requires costly action and that God uses diverse individuals, from all walks of life, to accomplish His divine purposes.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Messiah's Burial with the Rich")
* [Luke 23:50-53](/luke/23-50-53 "Joseph of Arimathaea Buries Jesus")
* [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph of Arimathaea's courageous act in Mark 15:43 provides a powerful model for contemporary believers. In a moment of widespread fear and abandonment, Joseph, a man of significant social standing and potential vulnerability, stepped forward to honor Jesus. This challenges us to consider the depth of our own convictions: Are we willing to identify with Christ, even when it is costly, unpopular, or requires us to stand against the prevailing tide? Joseph's readiness to risk his reputation and safety to provide a dignified burial for Jesus underscores the importance of compassion, reverence, and faithfulness, even in the face of death and despair. His story reminds us that God often uses unexpected individuals in crucial moments, and that acts of humble service, though seemingly small, can have profound theological and redemptive significance. It calls us to examine our own lives: where might God be calling us to act boldly for Him, even when it feels uncomfortable or dangerous?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Joseph's "boldness" in approaching Pilate teach us about the nature of courage in faith?**
* **How might Joseph's example challenge us to consider the cost of discipleship in our own lives today?**
* **In what ways can we, like Joseph, demonstrate reverence and compassion for others, especially those who are marginalized or overlooked?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph of Arimathaea a member of the Sanhedrin, and if so, how significant is that?**

Answer: Yes, the text explicitly states that Joseph was an "honourable counsellor" (G1010, _bouleutḗs_), which identifies him as a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial and religious council that had condemned Jesus to death. This fact is profoundly significant because it means Joseph was part of the very body that had rejected and sentenced Jesus. His decision to "go in boldly unto Pilate" and claim Jesus' body was an act of profound courage and defiance, publicly aligning himself with the condemned Messiah against the collective decision of his influential peers. It highlights his deep personal conviction and faith in Jesus, even when it meant risking his social standing and potentially his life (see also [Luke 23:50-51](/luke/23-50-51 "Luke 23:50-51 - Joseph, a Good and Righteous Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph of Arimathaea's courageous act in securing Jesus' body for burial is a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, directly pointing to the Christ-centered fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate victory over death. By providing a new, unused tomb, as described in [Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Jesus Laid in a New Tomb"), Joseph ensured that Jesus' burial was distinct and verifiable, a necessary precursor to the glorious resurrection. This act fulfills the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Messiah's Burial with the Rich") that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death," a detail that might otherwise have been overlooked if Jesus' body had been disposed of in a common criminal's grave. The dignified burial of Jesus' physical body underscores its reality and importance, affirming that the Son of God truly died and was laid in a tomb, making His subsequent resurrection from the dead an undeniable historical event. Without Joseph's bold intervention, the precise location and condition of Jesus' burial might have been obscured, potentially hindering the clear testimony of the empty tomb and the resurrection appearances that are central to the Gospel message (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Thus, Joseph's action is not merely an act of human compassion but a divinely orchestrated detail ensuring the integrity of the resurrection narrative and the foundation of Christian faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 2:38

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:25

¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Luke 23:51

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) [he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

Acts 17:12

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Matthew 27:57

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

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.

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.