John 19:38
What does John 19:38 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:38 means
After the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus but secretly for fear of the Jewish leaders, bravely approaches Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate grants his request. Joseph's courageous act, despite his previous secrecy, signifies a profound shift, demonstrating his devotion. His action ensures a proper burial for Jesus, an important step in the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9, "he was with a rich man in his death."
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And after this Joseph of Arimathea, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, made a request to Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate said he might do so. So he went and took away his body.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And after these things did Joseph of Arimathea--being a disciple of Jesus, but concealed, through the fear of the Jews--ask of Pilate, that he may take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave leave; he came, therefore, and took away the body of Jesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea (because he was 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 leave. He came therefore and took away the body of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly through fear of the Jews, demanded of Pilate that he might take the body of Jesus: and Pilate allowed it. He came therefore and took away the body of Jesus.
Context
This verse marks the beginning of the burial narrative, immediately following the declarations of prophetic fulfillment. Joseph of Arimathea's courageous request to Pilate sets in motion the process of Jesus' interment. His secret discipleship, now openly expressed, provides a stark contrast to the earlier fear-driven actions of others and introduces another significant figure who assists in the burial.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 27:57
And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
- John 7:13
Yet no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
- Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
- Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
- Luke 23:50
And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man
- Mark 15:42
And when even was now come, because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
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