New Testament
Matthew 27:60
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance and left.
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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.
What Matthew 27:60 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph of Arimathea takes Jesus' body after the crucifixion and places it in his own newly carved tomb. This act signifies respect and honor for Jesus, as it was customary to bury the dead properly. The tomb was hewn from rock, indicating it was a significant burial site, likely meant for Joseph himself or his family. After laying Jesus in the tomb, Joseph rolls a large stone to seal the entrance, a common practice to protect the body from grave robbers and animals. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the resurrection, highlighting the finality of Jesus' death while also foreshadowing the miraculous event that would follow. The act of sealing the tomb emphasizes the reality of Jesus' death and the hope of resurrection that would soon be revealed to His followers. Joseph's actions reflect deep faith and courage, as he publicly associates himself with Jesus at a time when it was dangerous to do so.
How to apply Matthew 27:60 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor those who have passed away with dignity and respect. It also reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, even in challenging circumstances, just as Joseph did by caring for Jesus' body after His death.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (Matthew 27:57–66)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:60 mean?
Matthew 27:60 describes how Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body after the crucifixion and placed it in his own newly carved tomb. This act shows respect for Jesus and highlights the significance of proper burial customs.
What is the significance of Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:60?
Joseph of Arimathea is significant because he publicly identified with Jesus by providing a proper burial, demonstrating courage and faith during a time when it was dangerous to associate with Him.
Why did Joseph roll a stone across the tomb in Matthew 27:60?
Joseph rolled a large stone across the entrance of the tomb to protect Jesus' body from grave robbers and animals, which was a common practice in burial customs of that time.
What does the tomb represent in Matthew 27:60?
The tomb in Matthew 27:60 represents both the finality of Jesus' death and the hope of resurrection, as it sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows.
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