New Testament
Mark 15:46
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Joseph bought a linen cloth, took the body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been carved out of rock. Then he rolled a stone across the entrance.
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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.
What Mark 15:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council who had been secretly following Jesus, takes a courageous step after Jesus' crucifixion. He buys a fine linen cloth to wrap Jesus' body, showing respect and care for the deceased. Joseph carefully takes Jesus down from the cross, wraps Him in the linen, and places Him in a tomb that was carved out of rock, which was a common burial practice for the wealthy. The act of rolling a stone across the entrance signifies the finality of death and the protection of the body. This moment is significant as it marks the end of Jesus' earthly life and sets the stage for the resurrection. Joseph's actions demonstrate bravery and devotion, as he risks his reputation and safety to honor Jesus, highlighting the importance of standing up for one's beliefs even in difficult circumstances.
How to apply Mark 15:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to show courage in our faith, even when it is unpopular or risky. Like Joseph, we can honor those we care about and stand up for our beliefs. It reminds us to act with love and respect in all situations.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Mark 15:42–47)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 15:46 mean?
Mark 15:46 describes Joseph of Arimathea taking Jesus' body down from the cross after the crucifixion. He wraps it in a linen cloth and places it in a rock-hewn tomb, signifying respect for Jesus and marking the finality of His death.
What is the significance of Joseph's actions in Mark 15:46?
Joseph's actions in Mark 15:46 are significant as they demonstrate his courage and devotion to Jesus. By caring for Jesus' body, he risks his reputation and safety, highlighting the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
What does the linen cloth represent in Mark 15:46?
The linen cloth in Mark 15:46 represents respect and care for the deceased. It signifies the dignity with which Joseph treated Jesus' body, reflecting burial customs of the time.
What burial customs are mentioned in Mark 15:46?
Mark 15:46 mentions the custom of wrapping the body in linen and placing it in a tomb carved out of rock. These practices were typical for wealthy individuals in ancient Jewish culture.
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