Luke 23:52
What does Luke 23:52 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 23:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 23:52 means
Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body. This is a bold request. Association with a condemned man could bring suspicion, yet love and reverence move him. By securing the body, he ensures Jesus is laid to rest with dignity rather than discarded as a criminal. His act provides tangible proof of Jesus’ death and sets the stage for the empty tomb. In God’s providence, high officials become servants of the crucified King. Joseph’s courage bridges the cross and the grave, showing that even in defeat-seeming moments, God is working through faithful hands.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This man went to Pilate and made a request for the body of Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he, having gone near to Pilate, asked the body of Jesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This man went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890— he having gone to Pilate begged the body of Jesus;
Context
With Joseph introduced and his character established, Luke shows him taking decisive action. Permission from Pilate is necessary, confirming the legal fact of death. Next, Joseph will take the body down, wrap it in linen, and lay it in a rock-hewn, unused tomb. The timing is important, as the day of Preparation is ending and Sabbath approaches. The women will follow and note the details, intending to return after the Sabbath with spices.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 19:38
And 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.
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