Matthew 27:58

KJV

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

KJV (with Strong's)

He {G3778} went {G4334} to Pilate {G4091}, and begged {G154} the body {G4983} of Jesus {G2424}. Then {G5119} Pilate {G4091} commanded {G2753} the body {G4983} to be delivered {G591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He approached Pilate and asked for Yeshua's body, and Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

Berean Standard Bible

He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.

American Standard Version

this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:58 recounts the pivotal moment when Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, courageously approached Pontius Pilate to request the body of Jesus for burial. This act, fraught with social and political risk, highlights Joseph's profound devotion and Pilate's swift compliance, setting the stage for Jesus' dignified interment and the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the death of Jesus on the cross, as described in [Matthew 27:50-56](/matthew/27-50-56 "Matthew 27:50-56 - The Death of Jesus and Attendant Events"). The preceding verses detail the cosmic and earthly disturbances accompanying Jesus' final breath, including the tearing of the temple veil, earthquakes, and the resurrection of saints. [Matthew 27:57](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57 - Joseph of Arimathea Introduced") introduces Joseph of Arimathea, identifying him as a rich man and a disciple of Jesus. Verse 58 then describes his bold action, which directly leads into the account of Jesus' burial in [Matthew 27:59-61](/matthew/27-59-61 "Matthew 27:59-61 - The Burial of Jesus"). This sequence emphasizes the transition from the public spectacle of crucifixion to the private, yet profoundly significant, act of burial, underscoring God's meticulous care even in death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman custom dictated that the bodies of crucified criminals were often left on the cross to decompose or were thrown into a common, unmarked grave as a public deterrent. This was intended to maximize the shame and degradation of the condemned. However, Jewish law, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), strictly required that bodies of executed individuals be buried before sundown, especially on the eve of a Sabbath or major feast, to avoid defiling the land. Given that the crucifixion occurred on the day before the Sabbath and Passover, the urgency for burial was paramount. Joseph of Arimathea's act of approaching Pilate was therefore not only an act of piety but also one of immense personal risk, as it publicly associated him with a condemned "criminal" and could have jeopardized his standing as a respected member of the Sanhedrin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Courageous Faith**, as Joseph, previously a secret disciple (as noted in [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph's Secret Discipleship")), now steps forward publicly at great personal cost to honor Jesus. It also underscores **Divine Providence and Prophecy Fulfillment**, as God's sovereign plan ensures a dignified burial for Jesus, directly fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of Messiah's Burial"), which states the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." Furthermore, the theme of **Respect for the Deceased** is evident in Joseph's actions, emphasizing the importance of proper burial even for those deemed outcasts by society. Finally, Pilate's quick compliance, perhaps driven by a desire to avoid further unrest or a lingering sense of guilt, highlights the **Authority of Roman Governance** in the unfolding divine drama.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **begged (Greek, _aitéō_):** This verb, G154, implies an earnest, formal, and often persistent request, rather than a casual asking. Joseph's action was not a timid inquiry but a determined and courageous petition to the highest Roman authority in the region, reflecting the gravity of his purpose and the boldness required to make such a plea for the body of a crucified man. It underscores the depth of his devotion that he would "crave" or "require" this body despite the public shame associated with it.
* **commanded (Greek, _keleúō_):** G2753 signifies a definitive order or injunction, stemming from a position of authority. Pilate's response was not a suggestion or a reluctant concession, but a direct and authoritative decree. This word highlights the Roman governor's absolute power in the situation and his immediate, decisive action in granting Joseph's request, perhaps indicating a desire to conclude the matter swiftly or a recognition of Joseph's standing.
* **body (Greek, _sōma_):** G4983 refers to the physical body as a sound whole. In this context, it emphasizes the tangible, physical remains of Jesus after His death. The focus on the "body" underscores the reality of Jesus' human death and the subsequent need for its proper disposition, which is crucial for the later understanding of His physical resurrection. It is the very "body" that would later be absent from the tomb, testifying to the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He went to Pilate":** This phrase identifies Joseph of Arimathea as the subject of the action. "Went to" (G4334, _prosérchomai_) implies an approach, often with a specific purpose or petition. Joseph's act of directly approaching the Roman governor was significant, requiring courage and access, given Pilate's high office and the public nature of the crucifixion.
* **"and begged the body of Jesus":** This clause reveals the specific and audacious request Joseph made. "Begged" (G154, _aitéō_) conveys the earnestness and formal nature of his plea. The object of his request was "the body of Jesus" (G4983, _sōma_ G2424, _Iēsoûs_), emphasizing his desire to provide a dignified burial for his crucified Lord, an act that defied Roman custom and openly associated him with a condemned figure.
* **"Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered":** This final clause details Pilate's response. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) indicates the immediate sequence of events. Pilate's "commanded" (G2753, _keleúō_) signifies his authoritative decision, granting Joseph's request without apparent hesitation. The "body to be delivered" (G4983, _sōma_ G591, _apodídōmi_) confirms that the physical remains of Jesus were officially released into Joseph's care, enabling the subsequent burial.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Conciseness** is evident in the direct and unadorned reporting of Joseph's action and Pilate's response, allowing the gravity of the event to speak for itself. **Contrast** is subtly present between the public humiliation of crucifixion and the private, dignified act of requesting the body, highlighting Joseph's counter-cultural courage. The **Foreshadowing** of the resurrection is implicit in the emphasis on the physical "body" of Jesus; its proper burial is a necessary precursor to its miraculous absence from the tomb. Furthermore, the simple declarative sentences contribute to a sense of **Historical Veracity**, presenting the events as straightforward facts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:58 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care for His Son, even in death, and the unexpected ways He uses individuals to fulfill His purposes. Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act, emerging from secret discipleship to public devotion, illustrates that true faith often manifests most profoundly in moments of risk and unpopularity. This verse underscores the theological truth that even the most tragic moments in salvation history are meticulously orchestrated by God to achieve His redemptive plan, ensuring that Jesus' body received a burial befitting the Son of God, rather than the ignominy typically reserved for crucified criminals. This dignified burial, facilitated by Joseph, sets the stage for the triumphant resurrection, affirming the physical reality of Jesus' death and subsequent victory over it.

* [Mark 15:43](/mark/15-43 "Mark 15:43 - Joseph's Courage")
* [Luke 23:50-53](/luke/23-50-53 "Luke 23:50-53 - Joseph's Character and Actions")
* [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "John 19:38-42 - Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:58 offers a compelling example of faith that transcends fear and social convention. Joseph of Arimathea, a man of standing, risked everything to honor Jesus, demonstrating that true discipleship may call us to acts of courage that defy popular opinion or personal safety. His actions remind us that even in moments of profound grief or apparent defeat, God is working behind the scenes, often through unexpected individuals, to bring about His perfect will. We are challenged to consider: where might God be calling us to step out of our comfort zones, to act with conviction for what is right, or to show compassion and dignity to those overlooked or condemned by society? Joseph's readiness to associate himself with a crucified "criminal" encourages us to embrace our identity in Christ fully, regardless of the cost, and to trust that God's plan unfolds even in the darkest hours.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Joseph of Arimathea's action teach us about the nature of courage and faith, especially when it is unpopular or risky?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to move from "secret" discipleship to more public acts of devotion or service?**
* **How does Joseph's act of showing dignity to Jesus' body challenge our own attitudes towards those who are marginalized, condemned, or deceased?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for Joseph to get Jesus' body?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, according to Jewish law ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law on Burial")), bodies of executed individuals had to be buried before sundown, especially since the next day was the Sabbath and the Passover feast. Leaving the body on the cross would have defiled the land and violated religious custom. Secondly, Joseph, as a disciple, desired to provide a dignified burial for his Lord, an act of reverence and love. Finally, the proper burial of Jesus' body in a tomb (as described in [Matthew 27:59-60](/matthew/27-59-60 "Matthew 27:59-60 - Jesus' Burial")) was essential for the fulfillment of prophecy ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of Messiah's Burial")) and for the physical reality of the resurrection, as the empty tomb would later confirm that the "body" was gone.

**What does Pilate's quick compliance tell us about him?**

Answer: Pilate's immediate command to deliver the body is noteworthy. It could indicate several things: perhaps a desire to quickly conclude the affairs of the crucifixion before the Sabbath, a lingering sense of guilt or unease over condemning an innocent man (as suggested by his actions in [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")), or a recognition of Joseph's high status and influence. It also demonstrates his ultimate authority over the disposition of crucified bodies. His compliance, in this instance, inadvertently served God's sovereign plan for Jesus' burial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:58, detailing the request for Jesus' body, is a crucial link in the chain of Christ-centered fulfillment, laying the groundwork for the ultimate triumph of the resurrection. While seemingly a moment of defeat and sorrow, the dignified burial of Jesus' physical body, facilitated by Joseph of Arimathea, directly fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of Messiah's Burial") that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." This act ensures that Jesus' body was not subjected to the common ignominy of being left on the cross or thrown into a pauper's grave, but was instead laid in a new tomb, setting the stage for its miraculous absence. The very "body" that was begged for and delivered by Pilate is the same body that would not see decay, as prophesied in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Prophecy of No Decay"), and would be raised from the dead on the third day ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He Is Not Here, He Is Risen!")). Thus, this verse, far from being an isolated detail, is integral to the Gospel narrative, underscoring the reality of Jesus' death and burial as necessary precursors to His glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")).

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

Mark 15:44

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling [unto him] the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Mark 15:46

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.

Luke 23:52

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

Luke 23:53

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.