Mark 15:46
What does Mark 15:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:46 means
Joseph buys a linen cloth, takes Jesus down, wraps him, and lays him in a rock-hewn tomb, sealing it with a rolled stone. The careful description emphasizes honor and reverence in burial, countering prior humiliation. Joseph’s actions follow Jewish burial customs and show his devotion. The rock-cut tomb and rolled stone suggest permanence, yet they also set the scene for the resurrection event. This burial fulfills expectations of burial for the righteous and demonstrates the respect Jesus receives even in death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he got a linen cloth and, taking him down, put the linen cloth round him, and put him in a place for the dead which had been cut out of a rock; and a stone was rolled against the door.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he, having brought fine linen, and having taken him down, wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that had been hewn out of a rock, and he rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Joseph, buying fine linen and taking him down, wrapped him up in the fine linen and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewed out of a rock. And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having bought fine linen, [and] having taken him down, he swathed him in the fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was cut out of rock, and rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.
Context
This follows Pilate granting the body. The detailed burial procedure—linen wrapping, rock-hewn tomb, stone sealing—completes the immediate aftermath of crucifixion. The passage contrasts earlier mistreatment with solemn care. It concludes the death narrative and primes the reader for the tomb’s role in the coming resurrection account.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:38
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
- Mark 16:3
And they were saying among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb?
- Matthew 27:59
And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
- Matthew 28:2
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.
- 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.
- Luke 23:53
And he took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where never man had yet lain.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 15
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 15.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.