Breakdown of Matthew 27:59-60

"And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away." — What's easily missed is the profound implication of the "clean linen shroud." This wasn't just a basic burial cloth; it was a symbol of Christ's purity and righteousness, a stark contrast to the sin…

Matthew 27:59-60 Meaning Explained

All verses

Matthew 27:59-60

And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What's easily missed is the profound implication of the "clean linen shroud." This wasn't just a basic burial cloth; it was a symbol of Christ's purity and righteousness, a stark contrast to the sin He was taking upon Himself.

What Matthew 27:59-60 means

Just after Jesus breathes His last and is confirmed dead, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who was secretly a follower of Jesus, boldly asks Pilate for the body. After receiving permission, Joseph takes Jesus' body down from the cross and wraps it in a clean linen shroud, preparing it for burial in his own new tomb nearby.

A Rich Man's Respect

In the darkest hour, a wealthy and respected man stepped out of the shadows. His actions reveal more than just kindness; they speak volumes about faith and courage.

Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent figure, a member of the Jewish council. His decision to request Jesus' body was a massive risk.

A Public Statement

By openly asking for the body, Joseph defied the authorities and the prevailing sentiment against Jesus. This wasn't a quiet, secret act; it was a public affirmation of his belief, even in death. It showed that true discipleship isn't afraid to stand out, even when it's unpopular.

Faith in the Face of Despair

While others saw only a crucified criminal, Joseph saw someone worthy of honor. He likely believed in Jesus' claims about the kingdom of God, and this act was an expression of that hope, even when Jesus appeared defeated.

The Significance of Linen and Spices

The way Jesus' body was prepared for burial was more than just a funeral rite. It was steeped in tradition and carried profound symbolic meaning.

The text mentions Joseph wrapping Jesus in a 'clean linen shroud.' This detail is significant for several reasons:

Jewish Burial Customs

Jewish tradition dictated that the dead be wrapped in clean linen. This was a sign of respect and purity. Unlike elaborate embalming, it was a simpler, quicker process, crucial given the approaching Sabbath.

A Hint of Royal Treatment

While the Gospels mention spices being added (especially by John), the initial wrapping in clean linen by Joseph and Nicodemus points to a burial that, while hurried, was not disrespectful. It was a stark contrast to the ignominious death on the cross, offering a measure of dignity.

Symbol of Purity and Righteousness

Clean linen often symbolizes purity and righteousness. Wrapping Jesus in it, even in death, foreshadows his sinless nature and the spotless righteousness he imparts to believers.

Understand the original words

Original language

linen shroudσινδών

sindōn · Greek Noun

Material made from flax, known for its purity and whiteness; in a biblical context, it is frequently associated with priestly garments, royal attire, or, as seen here, burial wrappings, symbolizing purity or reverence for the deceased.

tombμνημεῖον

mnēmeion · Greek Noun

A place of burial; symbolically in Scripture, it often represents the finality of death, yet in the context of Jesus, it becomes the site of His victory over death through resurrection.

Historical context

Written: Around 50-60 AD
Author: Matthew the Apostle, traditionally understood as
Location: Jerusalem
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by its theological purpose and arrangement of Jesus' life, ministry, and death.

Historical background

Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Death
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities at the behest of Jewish leaders, dying on the cross. This event is the culmination of immense political and religious tension.
Early 1st century AD
Joseph of Arimathea's Request
Joseph, a wealthy and respected secret disciple, boldly approaches Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body. This act defied social norms and risked his own standing.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Body Taken Down and Wrapped
Joseph takes Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, likely incorporating spices due to the impending Sabbath. This was a hurried but respectful burial.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Laid in a New Tomb
Joseph places Jesus' body in his own newly hewn tomb, a significant act of honor. A large stone is rolled to seal the entrance.
Early 1st century AD
Women Prepare Spices

Key themes

01Honorable burial for the innocent
02Courage in the face of opposition
03God's providential plan unfolds

Cross-references

John 19:40

This passage complements Matthew's account by specifying that Joseph, along with Nicodemus, used spices and linen strips, highlighting the careful, though perhaps hurried, preparation of Jesus' body for burial.

Isaiah 53:9

This prophecy directly foretells that the suffering servant would be given a grave with the rich, which is powerfully fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathea, a man of means, providing his own new tomb.

Luke 23:56

This verse shows that the women, observing how Jesus was laid, intended to prepare more spices and ointments, indicating that the initial wrapping was done quickly due to the approaching Sabbath, but the intent for proper burial preparation was present.

Mark 15:43

Mark's Gospel emphasizes Joseph's boldness in asking Pilate for the body, showing his courage and commitment to honor Jesus, which underpins the act of wrapping the body respectfully.

Revelation 19:8

The Bible later describes the bride of Christ as being arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, which can be seen as a symbolic connection to the clean linen shroud used to wrap Jesus, representing His purity and righteousness.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 27:59: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"

And when Joseph had taken the body,.... Down from the cross, with the assistance of others, or from the hands of those who had orders to deliver it to him: he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth: that is, he wound up the body in it round and round, as was the custom of the Jews; see Acts 5:6. John 11:44. Nor was it usual to bury in any thing but linen: so it is said (m), "let the wrappings, or grave clothes…
gill

Matthew 27:59: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"

"He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth." John adds that this was done "with spices" John 19:40 . The Jews were accustomed to use myrrh, aloes, and other aromatics in large quantities when they buried their dead. When they were not regularly embalmed, which was a long and tedious process, they enclosed the spices in the folds of the linen, or wrapped the body in it. Spices were sometimes used in such quanti…
barnes

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What Matthew 27:59-60 means

Original language

linen shroudσινδών

sindōn · Greek Noun

tombμνημεῖον

mnēmeion · Greek Noun

A place of burial; symbolically in Scripture, it often represents the finality of death, yet in the context of Jesus, it becomes the site of His victory over death through resurrection.

Historical background

Early 1st century AD— this verse

Jesus' Crucifixion and Death

Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities at the behest of Jewish leaders, dying on the cross. This event is the culmination of immense political and religious tension.

Early 1st century AD

Joseph of Arimathea's Request

Joseph, a wealthy and respected secret disciple, boldly approaches Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body. This act defied social norms and risked his own standing.

Early 1st century AD

Jesus' Body Taken Down and Wrapped

Joseph takes Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, likely incorporating spices due to the impending Sabbath. This was a hurried but respectful burial.

Early 1st century AD

Jesus Laid in a New Tomb

Joseph places Jesus' body in his own newly hewn tomb, a significant act of honor. A large stone is rolled to seal the entrance.

Early 1st century AD

Women Prepare Spices

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 27:59: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"

And when Joseph had taken the body,.... Down from the cross, with the assistance of others, or from the hands of those who had orders to deliver it to him: he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth: that is, he wound up the body in it round and round, as was the custom of the Jews; see Acts 5:6. John 11:44. Nor was it usual to bury in any thing but linen: so it is said (m), "let the wrappings, or grave clothes…
gill

Matthew 27:59: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"

"He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth." John adds that this was done "with spices" John 19:40 . The Jews were accustomed to use myrrh, aloes, and other aromatics in large quantities when they buried their dead. When they were not regularly embalmed, which was a long and tedious process, they enclosed the spices in the folds of the linen, or wrapped the body in it. Spices were sometimes used in such quanti…
barnes

Frequently asked questions

What does Matthew 27:59-60 mean?

Explain the meaning of Matthew 27:59-60

What is the context of Matthew 27:59-60?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "linen shroud" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Matthew the Apostle, traditionally understood as write Matthew 27:59-60?”
“How does honorable burial for the innocent show up in Matthew 27:59-60?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Matthew 27:59-60 is available in the Sola app.