Mark 15:43
What does Mark 15:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:43 means
Joseph of Arimathæa appears: a respectable councilor who awaited God’s kingdom. He boldly asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph’s status makes his request risky—he identifies with Jesus in hope of the kingdom despite being a member of the council. His boldness and respectability lend credibility to Jesus’ death and prepare for an honorable burial. He acts in faith and courage, providing what the disciples could not, and his request completes the narrative of burial and preparation for the Sabbath.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000there came Joseph of Arimathæa, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901there came Joseph of Arimathæa, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There came Joseph of Arimathaea, a responsible man in high honour, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God; and he went in to Pilate without fear, and made a request for the body of Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, who also himself was waiting for the reign of God, came, boldly entered in unto Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable councillor, who also himself was awaiting the kingdom ofGod, coming, emboldened himself and went in to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.
Context
This comes after noting the approach of the Sabbath. Joseph’s role contrasts with the council’s earlier actions: previously, the Jewish leaders condemned Jesus; now one council member quietly seeks to honor him. Joseph’s request sets in motion the verification of death and the transfer of the body for burial, creating a solemn closure to the crucifixion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last.
- Acts 13:50
But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.
- 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.
- Acts 4:8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,
- Luke 2:25
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
- Mark 10:23
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
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