The Meaning of John 19:38 Explained

John 19:38

KJV: 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.

YLT: And after these things did Joseph of Arimathea -- being a disciple of Jesus, but concealed, through the fear of the Jews -- ask of Pilate, that he may take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave leave; he came, therefore, and took away the body of Jesus,

Darby: And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly through fear of the Jews, demanded of Pilate that he might take the body of Jesus: and Pilate allowed it. He came therefore and took away the body of Jesus.

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does John 19:38 Mean?

Verse Meaning

All four evangelists mentioned Joseph of Arimathea but only with Jesus" burial. The Synoptics tell us that he was a rich God-fearing member of the Sanhedrin who was a follower of Jesus and who had not voted to condemn Jesus. Only John identified him as a secret disciple who feared the Jews, namely, the unbelieving Jewish leaders. Jesus had warned His disciples about trying to hide their allegiance to Him ( John 12:42-43). Finally Joseph came out publicly by courageously requesting Jesus" body from Pilate.
Normally the Romans placed the bodies of crucified offenders, whose bodies they did not leave to rot on their crosses, in a cemetery for criminals outside the city. [1] Family members could not claim the bodies of people who had undergone crucifixion as punishment for sedition. [2] Thus Jesus" corpse would have ended up in the grave of a common criminal but for Joseph"s intervention. Pilate probably granted his request for Jesus" body because he realized that Joseph wanted to give Jesus an honorable burial. That would have humiliated the Jews further.
Joseph"s courageous act doubtless alienated him from many of his fellow Sanhedrin members. We do not know what the ultimate consequences of his action were for him. Evidently it was Jesus" death that made him face up to his responsibility to take his stand for Jesus.

Context Summary

John 19:38-42 - Love-Impelled Services
In that supreme hour Christ's secret disciples revealed their true heroism, and carried Him to the garden sepulcher. It had been written that the Messiah would make His grave with the rich, Isaiah 53:9; that prophecy seemed unlikely of fulfillment until Joseph and Nicodemus stood forth, in the darkest hour, as confessors of their faith and reverence. There are more friends of Christ in the world than we know of. They sit in our legislatures, our councils, and we meet them day by day as we go about our work. Although they give no outward sign of love or loyalty, they are forming secret resolves in their hearts, and the time will come when the fires of their love will burn the bushel that hides it, and they will avow themselves on the Lord's side. Let us plead with such, however, not to waste these precious years. How much Joseph and Nicodemus missed of Christ's inner fellowship by this long delay!
It was a royal burial. Love carried the body; sweet spices scented the air; a new-hewn grave received the precious treasure; and angels mounted guard. Remember that wherever the Cross of Jesus is erected, whether in the soul for the daily crucifixion of the flesh, or in the life by self-sacrifice for others, gardens will inevitably bloom. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 19

1  Jesus is scourged, crowned with thorns, and beaten
4  Pilate is desirous to release him,
15  but being overcome with the outrage of the crowd, he delivers him to be crucified
23  They cast lots for his garments
25  He commends his mother to John
28  He dies
31  His side is pierced
38  He is buried by Joseph and Nicodemus

Greek Commentary for John 19:38

But secretly for fear of the Jews [κεκρυμμενος δε δια τον ποβον των Ιουδαιων]
Perfect passive participle of κρυπτω — kruptō An example of the rulers described in John 12:41-43 who through cowardice feared to own their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. But it must be put down to the credit of Joseph that he showed courage in this darkest hour when the majority had lost heart. That he might take away Final clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of αιρω — airō Else the body of Jesus might have gone to the potter‘s field. Pilate gladly consented. [source]
A disciple of Jesus []
Matthew calls him a rich man; Mark, an honorable counselor, i.e., a member of the Sanhedrim; and Luke, a counselor, good and just. [source]
Besought [ἠρωτησε]
Better, as Rev., asked. See on John 11:22; see on John 16:23. Mark adds that he went in boldly, which is suggestive in view of John's statement of his secret discipleship, a fact which is passed over by the Synoptists. [source]
Gave him leave []
According to Roman law. Ulpian, a Roman jurist of the third century, says: “The bodies of those who are capitally punished cannot be denied to their relatives. At this day, however, the bodies of those who are executed are buried only in case permission is asked and granted; and sometimes permission is not given, especially in the cases of those who are punished for high treason. The bodies of the executed are to be given for burial to any one who asks for them.” Avaricious governors sometimes sold this privilege. Cicero, in one of his orations against Verres, has a terribly graphic passage describing such extortions. After dwelling upon the tortures inflicted upon the condemned, he says: “Yet death is the end. It shall not be. Can cruelty go further? A way shall be found. For the bodies of the beheaded shall be thrown to the beasts. If this is grievous to parents, they may buy the liberty of burial” (v., 45). Compare Matthew 14:12; Acts 8:2. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 19:38

Mark 15:43 Looking for the Kingdom of God [ην προσδεχομενος την βασιλειαν του τεου]
Periphrastic imperfect. Also Luke 23:51. The very verb used by Luke of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25, Luke 2:38). Matthew 27:57 calls him “Jesus‘ disciple” while John 19:38 adds “secretly for fear of the Jews.” He had evidently taken no public stand for Jesus before now.Boldly (τολμησας — tolmēsas). Aorist (ingressive) active participle, becoming bold. It is the glory of Joseph and Nicodemus, secret disciples of Jesus, that they took a bold stand when the rest were in terror and dismay. That is love psychology, paradoxical as it may seem. [source]
John 12:13 Took [ελαβον]
Second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω — lambanō The branches of the palm trees Ποινιχ — Phoinix is an old word for palm tree (Revelation 7:9 for the branches) and in Acts 27:12 the name of a city. αιον — Baion is apparently a word of Egyptian origin, palm branches, here only in N.T., but in the papyri and 1Macc 13:51. Here we have “the palm branches of the palm trees.” The use in 1Macc 13:51 (cf. 2Macc 10:7) is in the account of Simon‘s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Revelation 7:9). Palm trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:8) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, Mark 11:9; Matthew 21:9; John 2:18) cut the branches as they came (Matthew 21:8). To meet him Literally, for a meeting It was a scene of growing excitement. And cried out Imperfect active of κραυγαζω — kraugazō old and rare verb (from κραυγη — kraugē) as in Matthew 12:19; John 19:15. Hosannah Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “Save now.” The lxx renders it by Σωσον δη — Sōson dē (Save now). Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Perfect passive participle of ευλογεω — eulogeō Quotation from Psalm 118:25., written, some think, for the dedication of the second temple, or, as others think, for the feast of tabernacles after the return (Ezra 3:1.). It was sung in the processional recitation then as a welcome to the worshippers. Here the words are addressed to the Messiah as is made plain by the addition of the words, “even the king of Israel” Jesus is here hailed by the multitudes as the long-looked for Messiah of Jewish hope and he allows them so to greet him (Luke 19:38-40), a thing that he prevented a year before in Galilee (John 6:14.). It is probable that “in the name of the Lord” should be taken with “blessed” as in Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Samuel 6:18; 1 Kings 22:16; 2 Kings 2:24. The Messiah was recognized by Martha as the Coming One (John 11:27) and is so described by the Baptist (Matthew 11:3). Mark (Mark 11:10) adds “the kingdom that cometh” while Luke (John 19:38) has “the king that cometh.” “It was this public acclamation of Jesus as King of Israel or King of the Jews which was the foundation of the charge made against him before Pilate (John 18:33)” (Bernard). [source]
John 7:13 Howbeit [μεντοι]
See John 4:27 for this compound particle Imperfect active of ουδεις παρρησιαι — laleō “was speaking,” picturing the whispering or secret talk (no man openly, εν — oudeis parrēsiāi). Best MSS. do not have παρρησιαι — en here with εν — parrēsiāi (locative or instrumental case of manner) as in John 7:26; John 10:24; John 11:54, but παρρησιαι — en genuine in John 7:4; Colossians 2:15. This adverbial use of δια τον ποβον των Ιουδαιων — parrēsiāi is common enough (Mark 8:37). For fear of the Jews (dia ton phobon tōn Ioudaiōn). Objective genitive. The crowds really feared the Jewish leaders and evidently did not wish to involve Jesus or themselves. See the same phrase and attitude on the part of the disciples in John 19:38; John 20:19. [source]
Acts 14:21 Had made many disciples [ματητευσαντες ικανους]
First aorist active participle of ματητευω — mathēteuō from ματητης — mathētēs a learner or disciple. Late verb in Plutarch, to be a disciple (Matthew 27:57 like John 19:38) and then to disciple (old English, Spenser), to make a disciple as in Matthew 28:19 and here. Paul and Barnabas were literally here obeying the command of Jesus in discipling people in this heathen city. They returned to Lystra and to Iconium, and to Antioch (υπεστρεπσαν εις την Λυστραν και εις Ικονιον και εις Αντιοχειαν — hupestrepsan eis tēn Lustran kai eis Ikonion kai eis Antiocheian). Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman empire. The quickest way to return to Antioch in Syria would have been by the Cilician Gates or by the pass over Matthew. Taurus by which Paul and Silas will come to Derbe in the second tour (Acts 15:41-16:1), but difficult to travel in winter. But it was necessary to revisit the churches in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch in Pisidia and to see that they were able to withstand persecution. Paul was a Roman citizen though he had not made use of this privilege as yet for his own protection. Against mob violence it would count for little, but he did not hesitate. Paul had been stoned in Lystra, threatened in Iconium, expelled in Antioch. He shows his wisdom in conserving his work. [source]

What do the individual words in John 19:38 mean?

After then these things asked - Pilate Joseph - from Arimathea being a disciple - of Jesus concealed however through the fear of the Jews that he might take away the body and gave permission - Pilate He came therefore took away of Him
Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἠρώτησεν τὸν Πιλᾶτον Ἰωσὴφ [ὁ] ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας ὢν μαθητὴς τοῦ Ἰησοῦ κεκρυμμένος δὲ διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸ σῶμα καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν Πιλᾶτος ἦλθεν οὖν ἦρεν αὐτοῦ

Μετὰ  After 
Parse: Preposition
Root: μετά  
Sense: with, after, behind.
ταῦτα  these  things 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ἠρώτησεν  asked 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐρωτάω  
Sense: to question.
τὸν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Πιλᾶτον  Pilate 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Πειλᾶτος 
Sense: the sixth Roman procurator of Judah and Samaria who ordered Christ to be crucified.
Ἰωσὴφ  Joseph 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰωσήφ 
Sense: the patriarch, the eleventh son of Jacob.
[ὁ]  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἁριμαθαίας  Arimathea 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Ἁριμαθαία  
Sense: the name of several cities in Palestine The one mentioned in Mat.
ὢν  being 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
μαθητὴς  a  disciple 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: μαθητής  
Sense: a learner, pupil, disciple.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦ  of  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
κεκρυμμένος  concealed 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κρύπτω  
Sense: to hide, conceal, to be hid.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
φόβον  fear 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: φόβος  
Sense: fear, dread, terror.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰουδαίων  Jews 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: Ἰουδαῖος  
Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
ἄρῃ  he  might  take  away 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: αἴρω  
Sense: to raise up, elevate, lift up.
σῶμα  body 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: σῶμα  
Sense: the body both of men or animals.
ἐπέτρεψεν  gave  permission 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐπιτρέπω 
Sense: to turn to, transfer, commit, instruct.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Πιλᾶτος  Pilate 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Πειλᾶτος 
Sense: the sixth Roman procurator of Judah and Samaria who ordered Christ to be crucified.
ἦλθεν  He  came 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
ἦρεν  took  away 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: αἴρω  
Sense: to raise up, elevate, lift up.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.