This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

LUKE 23:52KJV
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Luke 23:52 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:52 mean?

Luke 23:52 describes how a man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. This shows someone taking responsibility for Jesus’ burial, which was an important act after his death.

The man in question is Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the Jewish council who did not agree with the decision to crucify Jesus. He approaches Pilate, the Roman governor, to request permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross. This action happens shortly after Jesus’ death and sets the stage for Jesus’ burial, highlighting Joseph’s courage and respect for Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 23:52

  • "begged" (ᾐτήσατο, ēitēsato): This Greek word carries the sense of earnestly requesting or pleading, not just a casual ask. Joseph’s approach to Pilate was bold and respectful, showing both urgency and humility.
  • "body" (σῶμα, sōma): The Greek word used here refers specifically to a physical body, emphasizing that Joseph is asking for Jesus’ lifeless remains, not simply a symbolic gesture.

Why Luke 23:52 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ burial was handled by someone who respected him, not by his executioners or by chance, fulfilling Jewish customs of burial.
  • It highlights Joseph’s willingness to publicly associate with Jesus, even after his death, which would have been risky given the political and religious tensions.
  • Luke 23:52 connects directly to the following verses about Jesus’ burial, showing the care and dignity given to Jesus’ body and setting up the narrative for the resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“Pilate” Greek G4091 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

“begged” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

“went” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.