Matthew 27:59

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:59 describes Joseph of Arimathea's reverent act of taking Jesus' body from the cross and preparing it for burial. This verse marks a crucial transition from the crucifixion to the interment, highlighting the immediate aftermath of Christ's death and the meticulous care given to His physical remains by a devout, albeit previously discreet, follower, ensuring a dignified burial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 27:59 immediately follows the profound and climactic account of Jesus' crucifixion and death (Matthew 27:32-56), and the subsequent miraculous events that accompanied it, such as the tearing of the temple veil, the earthquake, and the resurrection of saints (Matthew 27:51-53). The preceding verses detail the centurion's confession, the presence of women disciples, and the reality of Jesus' physical death. This verse introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a new character in Matthew's narrative, whose actions facilitate the burial, thus setting the stage for the empty tomb and resurrection accounts in the subsequent chapter (Matthew 28). It transitions the narrative from public execution to private, solemn preparation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish law, particularly as articulated in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), mandated that the bodies of those executed, especially by hanging or crucifixion, be buried before sundown on the day of death to avoid defiling the land. This was particularly urgent as the Sabbath (and Passover, a high holy day) was approaching at sundown on Friday. Crucified bodies were often left on crosses as a deterrent or thrown into common graves, but Roman authorities could grant permission for burial upon request. Joseph of Arimathea's request to Pilate was therefore a necessary and courageous act, risking social ostracization and political repercussions for associating with a condemned criminal. The use of a "clean linen cloth" and a private tomb, as we see in the following verses, indicates a burial of honor, not the typical treatment for a crucified criminal.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **reality of Jesus' death**, a foundational truth for the subsequent resurrection, as emphasized in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message"). Joseph's actions also demonstrate **divine providence** at work, as God uses an unexpected and previously unmentioned disciple to ensure a proper burial, fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant's Burial") that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." Furthermore, it highlights the **courage and devotion of discipleship**, even in the face of fear and danger, contrasting with the flight of many other disciples described earlier in the passion narrative. The respectful handling of Jesus' body also speaks to the **dignity of the Messiah**, even in His humiliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Greek, _Iōsḗph'_):** From Hebrew origin, this name refers to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and righteous man, and a secret disciple of Jesus (as revealed in parallel accounts like [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph and Nicodemus")). His appearance at this critical juncture highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the details of Jesus' burial, ensuring a dignified interment rather than a common criminal's grave.
* **taken (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb signifies receiving, obtaining, or getting hold of. In this context, it refers to Joseph's action of formally requesting and receiving Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate. This was not a passive act but a deliberate and courageous initiative, requiring direct interaction with the Roman governor and a public identification with the crucified Christ.
* **wrapped (Greek, _entylíssō'_):** Meaning "to entwine" or "wind up in," this word describes the careful and respectful act of preparing the body for burial. The use of this specific term conveys the solemnity and tenderness with which Joseph handled Jesus' corpse, contrasting sharply with the brutality of the crucifixion. It implies a meticulous process of enshrouding, typical of Jewish burial customs for honored dead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Joseph had taken the body":** This clause introduces Joseph of Arimathea as the primary actor, highlighting his initiative in securing Jesus' body from Pilate. The act of "taking" implies a formal request and permission, underscoring the legal and public nature of this transaction. It also emphasizes the reality of Jesus' physical death, as a body is what is being handled.
* **"he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth":** This second clause details Joseph's immediate action upon receiving the body. The act of "wrapping" signifies preparation for burial according to Jewish custom, indicating reverence and care. The specific mention of a "clean linen cloth" (Greek: _sindṓn katharós_) is significant, suggesting a new, pure, and possibly expensive shroud, indicative of a burial of honor rather than a pauper's grave, and fulfilling prophetic expectations.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this concise verse. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the public, brutal, and humiliating crucifixion and the private, reverent, and dignified handling of Jesus' body by Joseph. This contrast underscores the profound irony of the Messiah's death. The detail of the "clean linen cloth" serves as **Symbolism**, representing purity, honor, and the sacredness of the deceased, even one executed as a criminal. It also subtly foreshadows the newness of the tomb and the purity of the resurrected Christ. Finally, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the resurrection. The meticulous burial of a truly dead body makes the subsequent discovery of the empty tomb and the resurrection all the more powerful and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:59 is a pivotal verse that bridges the reality of Christ's death with the anticipation of His resurrection. Joseph of Arimathea's act of taking and carefully wrapping Jesus' body underscores the physical reality of the crucifixion, which is a non-negotiable truth for the Christian faith. This careful preparation ensures that there can be no doubt about the actual death of Jesus, thereby validating the miraculous nature of His subsequent resurrection. The dignity afforded to Jesus' body, even in death, speaks to His inherent worth and divine status, despite the ignominy of the cross. This act of compassion and courage by Joseph also serves as a testament to the quiet, yet profound, work of God's providence, fulfilling prophecy and preparing the way for the ultimate triumph over death.

* [Mark 15:42-46](/mark/15-42-46 "Mark 15:42-46 - Joseph of Arimathea's Request")
* [Luke 23:50-54](/luke/23-50-54 "Luke 23:50-54 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph")
* [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "John 19:38-42 - Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:59 invites us to reflect on the nature of true discipleship and the profound significance of Jesus' death. Joseph of Arimathea, a man of standing and a secret disciple, steps out of the shadows at the most dangerous moment, demonstrating remarkable courage and devotion. His act reminds us that God often uses unexpected individuals in critical moments, and that genuine faith is demonstrated not just in public declarations but also in quiet acts of service and compassion, especially when it is costly. This verse challenges us to consider our own willingness to identify with Christ, even when it is unpopular or risky. Furthermore, the meticulous care given to Jesus' body, despite His public humiliation, teaches us the inherent dignity of the human body, created in God's image, and the importance of reverent handling of the deceased. It sets a powerful example of compassion and respect, even for those who have been scorned by the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act teach us about the nature of true discipleship, especially in difficult circumstances?**
* **How does the careful preparation of Jesus' body for burial reinforce the reality of His death, and why is this reality crucial for our faith?**
* **In what ways can we, like Joseph, demonstrate costly compassion and reverence for others, particularly those who are marginalized or suffering?**

### FAQ
**Who was Joseph of Arimathea, and why was his role significant?**

Answer: Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, who was also a secret disciple of Jesus. His role was profoundly significant because, at a time when most disciples had fled, he bravely approached Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial. This act was crucial for several reasons: it ensured Jesus received a dignified burial rather than being left on the cross or thrown into a common grave, it fulfilled the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"), and it confirmed the reality of Jesus' death, which is foundational for the truth of His resurrection. His courage and devotion underscore that God often uses unexpected individuals to accomplish His divine purposes.

**Why was it necessary to bury Jesus' body so quickly?**

Answer: It was necessary to bury Jesus' body quickly due to Jewish law and the approaching Sabbath. According to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial Laws"), the body of an executed person had to be buried before sundown on the day of death to avoid defiling the land. As Jesus was crucified on a Friday, sundown marked the beginning of the Sabbath (and likely the Passover Sabbath, a "high day" as mentioned in [John 19:31](/john/19-31 "John 19:31 - Request to Break Legs")), making the burial an urgent matter. This urgency explains why Joseph acted swiftly to secure the body and place it in his own newly hewn tomb, which was conveniently nearby.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:59, detailing Joseph of Arimathea's reverent act of taking and wrapping Jesus' body, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. This meticulous burial underscores the undeniable reality of Christ's physical death, a cornerstone of the Gospel message. Without a real death, there could be no real resurrection. Joseph's actions ensure that Jesus' body was indeed laid in a tomb, setting the stage for the triumphant discovery of the empty tomb on the third day, as recorded in [Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - The Empty Tomb"). The "clean linen cloth" and the honorable burial, though seemingly a final act of defeat, paradoxically fulfill prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich")) and affirm Jesus' true identity as the Messiah, even in death. His burial was not the end, but the necessary prelude to His victory over sin and death, a victory confirmed by His bodily resurrection, which is the hope of all believers (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Thus, this verse, while somber, points directly to the power of God manifested in Christ's resurrection and the promise of new life for all who believe in Him (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")).

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.