Matthew 27:59

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

And ^{G2532} when Joseph ^{G2501} had taken ^{G2983} the body ^{G4983}, he wrapped ^{G1794} it ^{G846} in a clean ^{G2513} linen cloth ^{G4616},

Yosef took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen sheet,

So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

Matthew 27:59 KJV describes a pivotal moment immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: the respectful handling of His body by Joseph of Arimathea. This verse highlights the immediate aftermath of Jesus' death, focusing on the care given to His remains before burial.

Context

This verse follows the crucifixion and death of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 27:50. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and an honorable counselor who was also a disciple of Jesus (Mark 15:43, John 19:38), approached Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body. This act was incredibly bold, as identifying with a crucified criminal could bring severe repercussions. Jewish custom required bodies to be buried before sundown on the day of death, especially since the Sabbath was approaching (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Key Themes and Messages

Dignity in Death: Despite Jesus' execution as a criminal, His body was treated with honor and respect, wrapped in a "clean linen cloth." This care stands in stark contrast to the brutal manner of His death.
Divine Providence and Fulfillment: Joseph's action ensured a proper burial, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." God used an unexpected individual, a secret disciple, to accomplish His divine plan.
Confirmation of Death: The careful handling and burial of the body underscore the reality of Jesus' physical death, which is crucial for understanding the power and truth of His subsequent resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "clean linen cloth" translates from the Greek sindōn kathara (σινδών καθαρά). The term sindōn refers to a fine, expensive linen cloth, indicating a burial consistent with someone of means or respect, rather than a pauper's burial. The adjective kathara emphasizes its purity and newness, suitable for such a solemn occasion.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:59 reminds us that God often works through unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple, stepped forward courageously when others had fled. This verse also highlights the importance of respecting the deceased and performing acts of service and compassion, even in difficult or dangerous situations. The meticulous care given to Jesus' body also sets the stage for the glorious resurrection on the third day, emphasizing that His death was real and complete.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.