Matthew 27:59-60
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The deliberate choice of "clean linen" isn't just about ritual purity; it subtly highlights Christ's own sinless nature and the righteousness that would soon be revealed. This careful preparation, even in haste, points to a reverence that foreshadows the honor Christ deserves as the one "waiting for the kingdom of God."
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)
Just after Jesus’ crucifixion, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, bravely went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, with Nicodemus’ help, carefully took Jesus' body down and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, preparing it for burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
In the darkest hour, a man steps out of the shadows. Who was Joseph, and why was his action so remarkable?
Matthew introduces Joseph of Arimathea here, and the other Gospels tell us he was a rich, respected member of the Jewish council. He had been secretly a follower of Jesus, but the crucifixion was a crisis point.
Stepping Out of the Shadows
Why specify 'clean linen'? This detail speaks volumes about Jesus' status and Joseph's respect.
The wrapping of Jesus' body in 'a clean linen shroud' wasn't just a practical step; it carried deep meaning.
More Than Just a Burial Cloth
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Understand the original words
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.
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.
The hurried burial before the Sabbath, while respectful, was a temporary measure. The clean linen shroud, a stark contrast to the rough cross, highlights the honor shown to Jesus' body by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple acting with sudden courage.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is executed by Roman crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.
c. AD 30
Joseph of Arimathea requests the body
Joseph, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, boldly requests Jesus' body from Pilate.
c. AD 30
Jesus' body is prepared for burial
Joseph wraps Jesus' body in a clean linen shroud, a respectful burial practice. Nicodemus assists, bringing spices.
c. AD 30
Jesus is placed in a new tomb
Joseph lays Jesus' body in his own recently hewn tomb, a significant act of honor, before the Sabbath begins.
c. AD 30
Women prepare additional spices
The women who followed Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, return after the Sabbath to further anoint Jesus' body with spices.
This passage, from John's Gospel, provides a richer detail to the burial, mentioning the use of spices along with the linen, which emphasizes the care and honor given to Jesus' body even in death.
Isaiah 53:9This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant being assigned a grave with the rich, which directly foreshadows Joseph of Arimathea, a man of means, providing his own new tomb for Jesus.
This verse highlights the women's intention to prepare more spices and ointments after the Sabbath, explaining why Joseph's initial wrapping in linen might have been done quickly and how it set the stage for further acts of devotion.
The 'fine linen, bright and clean' given to the bride in Revelation symbolizes righteousness, connecting the pure linen used to wrap Jesus' body to His own spotless righteousness, which He accomplished through His death and burial.
gillMatthew 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…
barnesMatthew 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…
The deliberate choice of "clean linen" isn't just about ritual purity; it subtly highlights Christ's own sinless nature and the righteousness that would soon be revealed. This careful preparation, even in haste, points to a reverence that foreshadows the honor Christ deserves as the one "waiting for the kingdom of God."
Just after Jesus’ crucifixion, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, bravely went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, with Nicodemus’ help, carefully took Jesus' body down and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, preparing it for burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
Just after Jesus’ crucifixion, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, bravely went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, with Nicodemus’ help, carefully took Jesus' body down and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, preparing it for burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
"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." — The deliberate choice of "clean linen" isn't just about ritual purity; it subtly highlights Christ's own sinless nature and the righteousness that would soon be revealed. This careful preparation, ev…
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Last reviewed October 2026
