Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:57

What does Matthew 27:57 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:57 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:57 means

At evening, a rich man from Arimathæa named Joseph, who is also a disciple of Jesus, asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph’s courage and social standing matter—he is wealthy and seeks a proper burial despite the danger of associating with a condemned man. His discrete discipleship enables a dignified burial. Joseph’s request reflects devotion and reverence and provides a humane, respectful close to Jesus’ earthly life. His role helps fulfill burial practices and ensures Jesus is laid in a new tomb.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the evening, there came a man of wealth from Arimathaea, Joseph by name, who was a disciple of Jesus:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And evening having come, there came a rich man, from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was discipled to Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now when even was come there came a rich man of Arimathaea, his name Joseph, who also himself was a disciple to Jesus.

Context

This verse follows the account of faithful women (vv. 55–56) and occurs after Jesus’ death and the supernatural signs (vv. 51–54). Joseph’s arrival at evening initiates the burial narrative (vv. 58–60), providing relief from the rout and mockery with an act of reverent obedience.

v.56among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

v.57This passage

v.58this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given up.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 15:42

    And when even was now come, because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

  • Luke 23:50

    And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man

  • 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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