New Testament
Luke 23:53
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He took it down from the cross, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb carved out of rock where no one had ever been buried.
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And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
What Luke 23:53 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, takes Jesus' body down from the cross after the crucifixion. He carefully wraps the body in linen cloth, a common practice for burial, and places it in a tomb that is hewn from rock. This tomb is significant because it had never been used before, symbolizing the uniqueness of Jesus' death and burial. The act of placing Jesus in a new tomb fulfills prophecies about the Messiah and highlights the respect Joseph had for Jesus. This moment marks the transition from Jesus' death to the hope of resurrection, as the tomb will soon become a place of miraculous significance. Joseph's actions demonstrate courage and devotion, as he publicly identifies with Jesus at a time when many were afraid to do so. This verse sets the stage for the events of the resurrection, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' burial in the overall narrative of salvation.
How to apply Luke 23:53 to your life
This verse encourages us to show respect and care for the deceased, reflecting our love and honor for those who have passed. It also challenges us to stand firm in our faith, even when it is unpopular or risky, just as Joseph did for Jesus.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Luke 23:50–56)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 23:53
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who took Jesus' body down from the cross?
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, took Jesus' body down from the cross after the crucifixion. His actions were significant as they demonstrated his respect for Jesus and his willingness to publicly identify with Him, even in a time of fear and uncertainty among Jesus' followers.
Why is Joseph of Arimathea important in the burial of Jesus?
Joseph of Arimathea is important because he courageously took responsibility for Jesus' burial at a time when many were afraid to associate with Him. His actions reflect deep respect for Jesus and fulfill the prophecy regarding the Messiah's burial, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' death and the hope of resurrection.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in Luke 23:53?
Joseph's actions teach us the importance of showing respect and care for the deceased, reflecting our love for those who have passed. Additionally, his courage to stand up for his faith, despite societal pressures, challenges us to be bold in our beliefs and support others, even when it may be unpopular or risky.
How does Luke 23:53 connect to the resurrection of Jesus?
Luke 23:53 sets the stage for the resurrection by emphasizing Jesus' burial in a new tomb. This moment marks the transition from death to life, as the tomb will soon become a place of miraculous significance when Jesus rises from the dead, highlighting the central theme of hope and salvation in the Christian faith.
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