What does Luke 23:53 mean?

Explanation

Luke 23:53 describes a part of the burial process of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

The "he" in this verse refers to Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, who is said to have been a secret disciple of Jesus.

Joseph went to Pontius Pilate to ask for Jesus' body, which was granted to him.

The actions described – taking Jesus’ body ("it") down from the cross, wrapping it in linen, and placing it in a tomb – were common burial practices of the time.

However, the verse specifically notes that the tomb was "hewn in stone" and that "never man before was laid" there, indicating that the tomb was new and unused, which was of significance to early Christians as it pointed to the purity and uniqueness of Jesus' burial.

Historical Context

The Gospels were written in a context where Jewish burial practices were well established.

It was customary to bury the dead before sunset on the day of death, especially before the Sabbath.

The use of a new tomb, not previously used, was a mark of honor and distinction.

The act of a respected council member claiming the body of Jesus would have been surprising, given that Jesus was executed as a criminal.

This detail also serves to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of a righteous servant being assigned a grave with the wicked but ending in the tomb of a rich man.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives see this verse in varying lights.

From a Christian standpoint, it signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the care for Jesus' body, showing his continued dignity even in death.

Some theologians highlight the fact that Jesus, though considered a criminal by the Roman authorities, is given a burial fit for someone of honor, which is consonant with his eventual resurrection and exaltation.

The unused tomb also prefigures the Christian teaching of the resurrection; as Jesus was laid in a new tomb, so too would He rise to new life.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers to act with respect and honor towards others, even in death, as Joseph of Arimathea did for Jesus.

It can also be understood to suggest that believers should be prepared to go against societal norms for the sake of doing what is right, just as Joseph put himself at risk by going against the ruling authority and asking for Jesus' body.

Additionally, it teaches the importance of faithfulness and devotion in times of distress or when faced with difficult decisions.

Cross-References

• Matthew 27:59-60: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed."
• Mark 15:46: "And 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."
• John 19:40-41: "Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid."

• Isaiah 53:9: "And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "Took it down" (Greek: kathelōn) - conveys the physical act of removing Jesus' body from the cross.
• "Wrapped" (Greek: enetulixen) - implies the careful wrapping of the body in strips of linen, following Jewish burial customs.
• "Linen" (Greek: sindoni) - a type of fine linen cloth used for wrapping the dead.
• "Sepulchre" (Greek: mnēmeion) - refers to a tomb or burial chamber.
• "Hewn in stone" (Greek: lelatomēmenon) - indicates the tomb was carved out of rock, which was a practice for wealthy individuals’ burials.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, burial practices varied greatly.

For example, in Egypt, elaborate mummification processes reflected beliefs in the afterlife.

In comparison, the simplicity of Jesus' burial, involving linen rather than elaborate trappings, stands in contrast to Pharaonic splendor, emphasizing humility.

The Jewish custom of using a stone tomb also differs from other practices, such as cremation in Hindu traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives on burial practices can shed light on the historical accuracy of the account in Luke.

Archaeological findings, such as the presence of stone tombs from the period, support the existence of tombs hewn in stone.

Forensic studies can also provide insights into the likely conditions of Jesus' body after crucifixion, and the way it was prepared for burial.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have lent their perspectives to this verse:

• William Barclay notes the courage of Joseph of Arimathea in asking for Jesus' body and the significance of the unused tomb.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the representation of Jesus' body being laid to rest without decay, foreshadowing the resurrection.
• John Gill discusses the Jewish burial customs and how Joseph’s actions demonstrated respect and care for Jesus after his death, which would have been unexpected for someone executed as a criminal.