Mark 15:46

KJV

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he bought {G59} fine linen {G4616}, and {G2532} took him down {G2507}, and wrapped {G1750} him {G846} in the linen {G4616}, and {G2532} laid {G2698} him {G846} in {G1722} a sepulchre {G3419} which {G3739} was {G2258} hewn {G2998} out of {G1537} a rock {G4073}, and {G2532} rolled {G4351} a stone {G3037} unto {G1909} the door {G2374} of the sepulchre {G3419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef purchased a linen sheet; and after taking Yeshua down, he wrapped him in the linen sheet, laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

American Standard Version

And he bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:46 meticulously details the solemn and crucial act of Jesus' burial, undertaken by Joseph of Arimathea after His crucifixion. This verse recounts Joseph's procurement of fine linen, the reverent lowering of Jesus' body from the cross, its wrapping in the linen, and its placement within a newly hewn rock tomb, secured by a large stone rolled to its entrance. This precise account underscores the undeniable reality of Jesus' death, sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection, and highlights the courageous devotion of Joseph of Arimathea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic account of Jesus' death on the cross in [Mark 15:37-41](/mark/15-37-41 "Mark 15:37-41 - Jesus' Death and the Witnesses"). Mark emphasizes the profound darkness and the tearing of the temple veil, signaling a cosmic shift at the moment of Jesus' last breath. The centurion's confession in [Mark 15:39](/mark/15-39 "Mark 15:39 - The Centurion's Confession") ("Truly this man was the Son of God!") provides a Gentile witness to Jesus' divine identity, contrasting with the earlier mockery. Joseph of Arimathea's courageous request to Pilate for Jesus' body, detailed in [Mark 15:43-45](/mark/15-43-45 "Mark 15:43-45 - Joseph of Arimathea's Request"), precedes this verse, establishing the agent and the authority for the burial. The meticulous description of the burial process in [Mark 15:46](/mark/15-46 "Mark 15:46 - Jesus' Burial") serves as a vital bridge between the crucifixion and the discovery of the empty tomb in [Mark 16](/mark/16 "Mark 16 - The Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish law, particularly as found in [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Burial of the Executed"), mandated that bodies of executed criminals not remain unburied overnight, especially before the Sabbath or a high holy day, to avoid defiling the land. Given that Jesus died on Preparation Day (Friday), His burial had to occur before sundown, when the Sabbath began. Crucified bodies were typically left on the cross to be consumed by scavengers or thrown into common graves, signifying ultimate disgrace. Joseph of Arimathea, identified as a respected member of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) and a secret disciple of Jesus, risked significant social stigma and ritual impurity by associating with a crucified man. His bold request to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, was extraordinary, as Pilate usually allowed such bodies to be disposed of by Roman authorities. The "sepulchre hewn out of a rock" refers to a common type of tomb for the wealthy in ancient Judea, often a family tomb, which would be newly prepared or unused to avoid defilement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Reality of Jesus' Death**, providing irrefutable evidence that Jesus truly died, which is foundational for the subsequent miracle of the resurrection. The detailed steps of the burial process leave no room for doubt about His physical demise. Secondly, it highlights **Reverence and Dignity in Death**, demonstrating that despite the brutal public execution, Jesus' body was treated with honor, using costly linen and a private tomb, contrasting sharply with the indignity of the cross. This act foreshadows His royal identity, even in death. Thirdly, Joseph of Arimathea's actions exemplify **Courageous Discipleship**, showing profound faith in action even in a moment of apparent defeat and danger, risking his reputation and standing within the Jewish community to honor Jesus. Finally, though not explicitly stated in Mark, the burial in a rich man's tomb aligns with the prophetic anticipation found in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial"), which speaks of the Messiah being "with the rich in his death," thus contributing to the theme of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fine linen (Greek, _sindṓn'_):** G4616. Of uncertain (perhaps foreign) origin; byssos, i.e. bleached linen (the cloth or a garment of it). The use of "fine linen" (σινδών) signifies a costly, high-quality material, indicating the honor and expense involved in Jesus' burial. This contrasts sharply with the indignity of His crucifixion and highlights the reverence shown by Joseph of Arimathea.
* **took him down (Greek, _kathairéō'_):** G2507. From κατά and αἱρέομαι (including its alternate); to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively). This verb emphasizes the physical act of lowering the body from the cross, a necessary and solemn task that confirms the cessation of life and prepares the body for burial.
* **sepulchre (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** G3419. From μνήμη; a remembrance, i.e. cenotaph (place of interment). This term refers to a tomb or memorial, specifically one carved directly from solid rock. Such tombs were typically owned by the wealthy and would have been new or unused, as implied by other Gospel accounts, ensuring that no other body had occupied it.
* **hewn (Greek, _latoméō'_):** G2998. From the same as the first part of λαξευτός and the base of τομώτερος; to quarry. This verb describes the process of carving the tomb directly out of solid rock, further emphasizing its permanence and the significant effort involved in its creation. It highlights the substantial nature of the burial place, underscoring the reality of Jesus' physical death and interment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he bought fine linen":** Joseph of Arimathea, acting with urgency before the Sabbath, purchased costly, high-quality linen cloth. This act demonstrates his commitment and the honor he wished to bestow upon Jesus, despite the social and religious implications of such an association.
* **"and took him down":** Joseph, likely with assistance, physically removed Jesus' body from the cross. This was a grim and physically demanding task, confirming the reality of Jesus' death and the completion of the crucifixion.
* **"and wrapped him in the linen":** The body was then carefully wrapped in the purchased linen. This was a customary Jewish burial practice, often involving spices (though not mentioned here by Mark, it is by other Gospels), preparing the body for its final resting place. This act of tender care stands in stark contrast to the brutality of the crucifixion.
* **"and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock":** Jesus' body was placed in a tomb that was carved directly into solid rock. This type of tomb was typically a permanent, private burial place, often belonging to a wealthy family, signifying a dignified burial rather than a common grave for criminals. The fact that it was "hewn out of a rock" implies its newness and security.
* **"and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre":** A large, heavy stone was rolled to seal the entrance of the tomb. This action served to protect the body from desecration, wild animals, and grave robbers, and also ensured the tomb's security, which would later be a point of contention and proof of the resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several literary devices in this verse to convey its profound significance. **Narrative Detail** is paramount, as the verse provides a meticulous, step-by-step account of the burial process: buying the linen, taking down the body, wrapping it, laying it in the tomb, and sealing it. This precise detailing not only confirms the historical veracity of the event but also emphasizes the reality of Jesus' death, leaving no room for doubt or later claims of a mere swoon. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the choice of the "fine linen" and the "sepulchre hewn out of a rock." The costly linen symbolizes the dignity and honor bestowed upon Jesus, even in death, hinting at His true identity as King despite His humble appearance. The rock-hewn tomb, a secure and permanent resting place, symbolizes the finality of death, yet paradoxically, it also serves as the secure stage for the ultimate triumph of life in the resurrection. The act of rolling the stone, a practical measure, also carries symbolic weight, representing the sealing of hope, only to be dramatically reversed by divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The burial of Jesus, as described in Mark 15:46, is not merely a historical footnote but a theological necessity. It unequivocally confirms the reality of Jesus' death, a foundational truth without which the resurrection would hold no meaning. If Jesus had not truly died, His rising from the dead would be a mere resuscitation, not a victory over death itself. This verse, therefore, establishes the grave as a real, physical place where the Son of God lay, emphasizing the depth of His condescension and the completeness of His identification with humanity in its mortality. Furthermore, Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act of providing a dignified burial for Jesus, despite the personal risk, foreshadows the reverence and care that believers are called to show towards Christ, even in the face of opposition. The burial also fulfills Old Testament prophecy, ensuring that the Messiah's journey through suffering, death, and burial aligns with divine foretelling.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")
* [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:46, while describing a moment of profound grief and apparent defeat, offers deep lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God's sovereign plan is unfolding, often through unexpected and seemingly insignificant acts of faithfulness. Joseph of Arimathea's courage to step out from the shadows of secret discipleship and publicly identify with a crucified criminal serves as a powerful call to bold discipleship. In a world where faith can be unpopular or costly, his example challenges us to ask: Where is God calling me to act courageously for Christ, even at personal risk or social stigma? The meticulous details of Jesus' burial also reinforce the historical bedrock of our faith. The reality of His death is as crucial as the reality of His resurrection, for without a true death, there can be no true victory over death. This should instill confidence in the historical truth of the Gospel and inspire us to share it with unwavering conviction, knowing that our salvation rests on verifiable events.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Joseph of Arimathea's courage in this moment teach us about discipleship, especially when it is costly or unpopular?**
* **How does the detailed description of Jesus' burial strengthen your faith in the historical reality of the Gospel message?**
* **In what ways might we, like Joseph, be called to show reverence and care for Christ, even in circumstances that seem bleak or defeated?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Jesus to be buried in a tomb, rather than left unburied or in a common grave?**

Answer: The meticulous burial of Jesus in a specific tomb, as described in [Mark 15:46](/mark/15-46 "Mark 15:46 - Jesus' Burial") and corroborated by other Gospels, was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial"), which foretold the Messiah's burial "with the rich." Secondly, it provided undeniable proof of Jesus' actual death. The detailed account of His body being taken down, wrapped, and sealed in a tomb counters any claims that He merely fainted or revived on the cross. This physical interment established a clear starting point for the resurrection, making the empty tomb and His subsequent appearance all the more miraculous and verifiable. Without a real burial, the resurrection would lack its historical and theological weight.

**What is the significance of the "sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock" and the "fine linen"?**

Answer: The "sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock" ([Mark 15:46](/mark/15-46 "Mark 15:46 - Jesus' Burial")) signifies a permanent, secure, and typically unused tomb, often belonging to a wealthy family. This contrasts sharply with the common graves for criminals, underscoring the dignity Joseph of Arimathea sought to bestow upon Jesus, despite His execution. Its newness also ensured that no other body had occupied it, preventing any confusion regarding the identity of the resurrected one. The "fine linen" (Greek: _sindṓn_) was a costly, high-quality cloth, indicating the honor and expense involved in Jesus' burial. Both elements speak to the profound reverence and respect shown to Jesus' body, even in death, and highlight the extraordinary nature of His burial, which was fitting for the Son of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:46, describing the burial of Jesus, stands as a pivotal moment in the Christ-centered narrative, for it confirms the absolute reality of His death, which is indispensable for the power of His resurrection. The meticulous details—the fine linen, the rock-hewn tomb, the sealed entrance—all serve to underscore that Jesus truly died, a physical demise necessary for Him to conquer death itself. This act of burial is not an end but a crucial transition, fulfilling the prophetic trajectory of the Suffering Servant who would be "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant")). His descent into the tomb, a place of finality for all humanity, demonstrates the depth of His identification with our mortal condition, allowing Him to taste death for everyone ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")). The sealed tomb, meant to contain Him, ultimately became the stage for God’s greatest triumph, proving that even death could not hold the Author of Life ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Thus, the burial is inextricably linked to the glorious resurrection, forming the core of the Gospel message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). His burial signifies the completion of His atoning work and foreshadows the believer's own spiritual burial with Him in baptism, leading to newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ")).

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

Isaiah 53:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:59

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

John 11:38

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Mark 16:3

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:4

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?