Joseph of Arimathea
A member of the Jewish council who gave his own tomb for Jesus' burial.
At a glance
- Name
- Joseph of Arimathea
- Type
- Person
- Period
- New Testament
- Appears in
- All four Gospels
- First appearance
- Matthew 27
- Known for
- Providing the tomb for Jesus' burial
Who is Joseph of Arimathea?
Joseph of Arimathea is a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council. The Gospels describe him as a disciple of Jesus who was waiting for the kingdom of God, and note that he did not agree with the council's decision against Jesus.
After the crucifixion, Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. He wraps it in linen and lays it in his own new tomb, cut out of rock. In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus joins him in preparing the body for burial.
Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible
Joseph asks Pilate for Jesus' body
Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, wraps it in a clean linen cloth, and places it in his own new tomb.
Read Matthew 27 →Joseph and Nicodemus prepare the body
In John's account, Joseph is joined by Nicodemus, who brings burial spices, and together they prepare Jesus' body according to Jewish burial custom.
Read John 19 →People connected with Joseph of Arimathea
- buries Jesus Joseph provides the tomb and buries Jesus after the crucifixion.
- prepares Jesus' body with Nicodemus Nicodemus joins Joseph in preparing Jesus' body for burial in John 19.
Not to be confused with
- Joseph, husband of Mary The carpenter of Nazareth and earthly father of Jesus is a different Joseph.
- Joseph, son of Jacob The Old Testament patriarch sold into Egypt is a different Joseph.
Key passages featuring Joseph of Arimathea
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.