And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

JOHN 19:38KJV
Know the Bible

John 19:38 (KJV)

What does John 19:38 mean?

John 19:38 describes how Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a follower of Jesus but kept it secret out of fear of the Jewish authorities, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. Pilate allowed it, so Joseph came and took Jesus’ body away for burial.

Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the Jewish council, but he believed in Jesus quietly because he was afraid of how the other Jewish leaders would react. After Jesus died, Joseph gathered his courage to approach Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested Jesus’ body—a bold act since crucified bodies were often left unburied. This moment sets the stage for Jesus’ burial and shows that even those who followed Jesus in secret could step forward at a crucial time.

The Greek behind John 19:38

  • The word "secretly" (κρυπτός, kryptos) is used here to describe how Joseph followed Jesus. This word means hidden or concealed, highlighting Joseph’s fear and the risks involved in his actions.
  • The word "fear" (φόβος, phobos) refers to the anxiety or dread Joseph felt regarding the Jewish authorities. This gives insight into the real social and personal danger faced by Jesus’ followers at that time.
  • The phrase "besought Pilate" (ἠρώτησεν τὸν Πιλᾶτον, ērotēsen ton Pilaton) uses a word for asking or requesting, which often carries a sense of respectful or earnest pleading. This shows Joseph’s humility and the seriousness of his request.

Why John 19:38 matters

  • John 19:38 clears up the idea that all of Jesus’ followers were public and outspoken; some, like Joseph, believed quietly due to real fears of persecution.
  • The verse emphasizes the courage it took for Joseph to act, especially after Jesus’ death, when public association with him was risky.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing how Jesus’ burial was handled respectfully, fulfilling Jewish customs and setting up the events of the resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“Arimathaea” Greek G707 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

“secretly” Greek G2928 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • 1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

“leave” Greek G2010 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

“Joseph” Greek G2501 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.