(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.

LUKE 23:51KJV
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Luke 23:51 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:51 mean?

Luke 23:51 describes Joseph of Arimathaea as someone who did not agree with the decision or actions of the Jewish council regarding Jesus and who was waiting expectantly for God’s kingdom. The verse highlights that Joseph was from Arimathaea, a Jewish city, and that he stood apart from the group that condemned Jesus.

This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, focusing on Joseph, a member of the council (Sanhedrin). While most council members supported condemning Jesus, Joseph did not consent to their plan or actions. Instead, he is described as someone who was looking forward to God’s promised rule, showing his faith and his difference from the others.

The Greek behind Luke 23:51

  • βουλή (boulē, “counsel”): This word refers to the formal decision or plan made by the council. The verse stresses that Joseph did not agree with their collective judgment.
  • πράξις (praxis, “deed”): This term points to the actual actions taken by the council, not just their decision. Joseph’s disagreement was both with their plan and with what they did.
  • προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, “waited for”): The Greek here carries the sense of actively expecting or looking forward to something. Joseph was not just passively hoping for God’s kingdom but was eagerly anticipating it.

Why Luke 23:51 matters

  • Luke 23:51 clarifies that not every Jewish leader agreed with condemning Jesus, correcting the common idea that all were united against him.
  • The verse highlights Joseph’s faith and hope in God’s kingdom, setting him apart as a positive example among the council.
  • This detail prepares the reader for Joseph’s later actions in caring for Jesus’ body, showing his courage and devotion.

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.
  • John 19:38 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.

“deed” Greek G4234 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
  • Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

“counsel” Greek G1012 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
  • Acts 27:42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

“for” Greek G4327 · used in 14 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.
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: