And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

LUKE 23:50KJV
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Luke 23:50 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:50 mean?

Luke 23:50 introduces a man named Joseph, describing him as a member of the council who was both good and just. This verse highlights Joseph’s character and his respected position, setting the stage for his important role in the events following Jesus’ crucifixion.

In the context of Luke’s Gospel, this verse comes right after the death of Jesus. Luke is telling the story to his readers, and he pauses to introduce Joseph as someone different from the others on the council, emphasizing his moral integrity. This introduction prepares readers to understand why Joseph’s actions in the next verses are significant.

The Greek behind Luke 23:50

  • The word for “counsellor” is βουλευτής (bouleutēs), which means a member of the Jewish council, or Sanhedrin. This shows Joseph was part of the group that had authority in Jewish society.
  • The Greek word for “good” here is ἀγαθός (agathos), often understood as describing someone who is morally upright or kind. Luke is pointing out Joseph’s positive character, not just his position.
  • The word for “just” is δίκαιος (dikaios), which means righteous or fair. This adds another layer, suggesting Joseph was known for doing what was right according to the law and in his dealings with others.

Why Luke 23:50 matters

  • This verse makes clear that not everyone on the council opposed Jesus; Joseph stands out as someone with a different attitude and character.
  • By describing Joseph as “good and just,” Luke prepares the reader to trust Joseph’s motives and actions in the burial of Jesus, which follows in the next verses.
  • The introduction of Joseph connects the story of Jesus’ death to respected members of Jewish society, showing that Jesus’ followers included people from all walks of life, even those in positions of authority.

Where else these words appear

“counsellor” Greek G1010 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“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 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

“good” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

“just” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;