Mark 15:42-47 · Bible study

Mark 15:42-47 Commentary: Burial on Preparation Day

Greek · 10 what the commentators say

Meaning in one sentence

Explore the significance of Jesus' burial on Preparation Day, the bold faith of Joseph of Arimathea, and the faithful witness of the women.

Research Summary

Meaning: The burial of Jesus on Preparation Day confirms his real death and honors him with a dignified resting place, fulfilling Scripture (Isaiah 53:9).
Key words: παρασκευή (Preparation), προσάββατον (day before Sabbath), τολμάω (to be bold), πτῶμα (corpse), μνημεῖον (tomb).
Main debate: No major debate; Christians across traditions affirm the historicity and theological significance of the burial as preparation for the resurrection.
Theological theme: God’s sovereignty in the timing of Jesus’ death and burial; the courage of secret discipleship; the faithful witness of women.
Best use: As a bridge between Good Friday and Easter, emphasizing the reality of death and the hope of resurrection.

Translation Comparison

BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020

⁴²Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so.

⁴⁵When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

⁴⁷Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was placed.

WEB World English Bible 2000

⁴²When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

⁴³Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.

⁴⁴Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.

⁴⁵When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

⁴⁷Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.

KJV King James Version 1769

⁴²And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

⁴⁵And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

⁴⁷And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

ASV American Standard Version 1901

⁴²And when even was now come, because it was the Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

⁴³there came Joseph of Arimathæa, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

⁴⁵And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

⁴⁶And he bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of a rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

⁴⁷And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898

⁴²And now evening having come, seeing it was the preparation, that is, the fore-sabbath,

⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, who also himself was waiting for the reign of God, came, boldly entered in unto Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴And Pilate wondered if he were already dead, and having called near the centurion, did question him if he were long dead,

⁴⁵and having known it from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶And he, having brought fine linen, and having taken him down, wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that had been hewn out of a rock, and he rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre,

⁴⁷and Mary the Magdalene, and Mary of Joses, were beholding where he is laid.

Darby Darby Bible 1890

⁴²And when it was already evening, since it was [the] preparation, that is, [the day] before a sabbath,

⁴³Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable councillor, who also himself was awaiting the kingdom of God, coming, emboldened himself and went in to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and having called to [him] the centurion, he inquired of him if he had long died.

⁴⁵And when he knew from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶And having bought fine linen, [and] having taken him down, he swathed him in the fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was cut out of rock, and rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.

⁴⁷And Mary of Magdala and Mary the [mother] of Joses saw where he was put.

Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899

⁴²And when evening was now come (because it was the Parasceve, that is, the day before the sabbath),

⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴But Pilate wondered that he should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if he were already dead.

⁴⁵And when he had understood it by the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶And Joseph, buying fine linen and taking him down, wrapped him up in the fine linen and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewed out of a rock. And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.

⁴⁷And Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of Joseph, beheld where he was laid.

Verse in Context

40 There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

41 who, when he was in Galilee, followed him and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.

45 When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

46 He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.

Original Language (Koine Greek)

New Testament · Koine Greek · Mark 15:42

Καὶ Kai G2532 And

ἤδη ēdē G2235 already

ὀψίας opsias G3798 when evening

γενομένης, genomenēs G1096 having arrived,

ἐπεὶ epei G1893 since

ἦν ēn G1510 it was [the]

παρασκευὴ paraskeuē G3904 Preparation

ὅ ho G3739 that

ἐστιν estin G1510 is

προσάββατον, prosabbaton G4314 before Sabbath

Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.

Scholars' Consensus

Commentators agree that Mark’s careful timing, evening of the Preparation Day, the day before Sabbath, is no accident. Adam Clarke notes that the Law required corpses not to remain overnight, and Joseph acted urgently to secure an honorable burial for Jesus. Vincent’s Word Studies points out that Mark alone uses the rare word προσάββατον (prosabbaton, “before Sabbath”), stressing the pressing deadline. Joseph, a prominent Sanhedrin member (βουλευτής, bouleutēs) who “was waiting for the kingdom of God,” took bold action (τολμήσας, tolmēsas) to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body, a risky move for a secret disciple (John 19:38). Pilate’s surprise at Jesus’ rapid death drove him to verify through the centurion, confirming the reality of the crucifixion. The women, who had followed from Galilee (Mark 15:40-41), watched closely (ἐθεώρουν, etheōroun, imperfect tense, implying careful, sustained observation), ensuring they knew exactly where the body was laid.

How settled is the interpretation?

Interpretive difficulty: Low

What is clear: Jesus was buried on the day before Sabbath by Joseph of Arimathea, witnessed by women, confirming his real death and preparing for the resurrection.

What Scholars Agree and Debate

Topic	Agreed	Debated
Significance of Preparation Day	All traditions agree that the timing underscores the urgency of burial before Sabbath and fulfills Old Testament concern for proper treatment of the dead.	Some traditions (especially Reformed) emphasize the theological rest that Jesus enters; others (including some Catholic and Orthodox) focus on the liturgical preparation for Passover and its typology.
Joseph of Arimathea's role	All affirm Joseph was a Sanhedrin member, a secret disciple, and that his bold request was a courageous act of faith.	Some traditions (e.g., Catholic) honor Joseph as a saint and emphasize his righteous character (Luke 23:50); others (e.g., Protestant) focus on his waiting for the kingdom as evidence of saving faith and a model of boldness.
Women's witness	All agree the women were faithful witnesses to the burial and that their observation prepared them for the empty tomb.	Some traditions (particularly Catholic and Orthodox) venerate Mary Magdalene as a primary witness; others (many Protestant) emphasize the collective witness of the women without singling out individuals.

Historical & Cultural Context

Mark places the burial at twilight on the “day of preparation” (παρασκευή, paraskeuē), the Friday before Sabbath when Jews prepared food and completed work before sunset rest (Exodus 16:23; Josephus, Antiquities 16.163). This was also the eve of Passover that year, a “special Sabbath” (John 19:31), heightening the urgency. The bodies of crucified men typically received no burial, but Roman practice allowed relatives or friends to claim the corpse if permission was granted. Joseph of Arimathea, identified as a rich man (Matthew 27:57) and a respected council member (βουλευτής), leveraged his position to approach Pilate directly.

Jewish custom required the dead to be buried before nightfall (Deuteronomy 21:22-23), so Joseph moved quickly. He bought fine linen (σινδών, sindōn, a costly cloth used for burial) and wrapped the body. The tomb was newly hewn from rock (λελατομημένον ἐκ πέτρας, lelatomēmenon ek petras, perfect passive participle meaning it had been cut out previously, likely a family tomb Joseph had prepared for himself). Rolling a large stone (προσεκύλισεν λίθον, prosekulisen lithon) across the entrance was typical for sealing family tombs, preventing animals and grave robbers. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched from a distance (v. 40) and now observed the burial site, preparing to return after the Sabbath with spices (Luke 23:56).

Textual Notes

The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Mark 15:42-47. The passage is consistently transmitted across major manuscripts, with only minor differences in spelling (e.g., Ἰωσῆτος vs. Ἰωσὴφ in v. 47). The term προσάββατον occurs only here in the New Testament but is well-attested in early Christian literature.

Reception History

Early church fathers (e.g., Tertullian, De Spectaculis 30) cited the burial to prove Jesus’ real death against docetic views. Medieval Christians saw Joseph of Arimathea as a model of discipleship; legends grew connecting him to the Holy Grail. The Reformers (Calvin, Luther) highlighted Joseph’s bold faith and the women’s perseverance as examples of true discipleship over fear. In modern times, the passage is read during Holy Week liturgies across traditions, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, as a solemn meditation on Christ’s death and the hope of resurrection.

Preaching This Verse

Three-point outline

The Urgency of the Hour, Evening came, and the Sabbath was approaching. Joseph had to act quickly. The body could not be left on the cross. God’s timing arranged that Jesus would be buried with dignity before the holy rest began.
The Boldness of a Secret Disciple, Joseph “boldly went in” (τολμήσας) to Pilate. He who had hidden his faith now risked reputation, wealth, and position to honor Jesus in death. The cross emboldened him.
The Faithfulness of the Women, These women had followed Jesus from Galilee. They stayed near the cross, followed the burial, and noted the tomb’s location. Their faithful observation prepared them for the resurrection morning.

Five-point outline

Preparation Day as a Theological Marker, The day before the Sabbath frames the entire burial as an act of covenantal faithfulness. Jesus, the Lamb of God, is taken down and laid to rest before God’s holy day begins.
Pilate’s Verification of Death, The governor’s surprise and careful inquiry through the centurion underscore the historical reality: Jesus truly died. This is no swoon theory.
Joseph’s Gift, He bought linen, took the body, wrapped it, laid it in his own tomb, and rolled the stone. Every action was a costly act of love.
The Tomb as a Sign, Hewn from rock, sealed with a stone, it was secure. But it was also empty in three days. The burial points forward to the resurrection.
Women as Witnesses, They “beheld where he was laid” (ἐθεώρουν). Their witness ensures the continuity between crucifixion and resurrection.

Illustration hooks

Preparing for a Sabbath meal when an unexpected guest arrives, you drop everything to serve. Joseph dropped his public caution to honor Jesus.
Watching a loved one’s burial and later coming back to grieve, only to find the grave empty. The women’s careful observation made their Easter discovery certain.
Making a difficult call when everyone else is afraid to speak. Joseph’s bold step inspires courage in moments of moral risk.

Questions your congregation is asking

Why does the Bible give so many details about Jesus’ burial? Is it just history, or does it mean something for our faith?
How can a secret disciple become bold, what changed Joseph?
When I follow Jesus quietly, will I ever be called to step into the open?

Leading a Discussion

This passage shows the tender care Jesus received in death from people who were not his closest disciples during his life. Joseph of Arimathea, a council member, and the Galilean women step forward when the Twelve had scattered. As you read, notice how Mark connects the burial to the coming Sabbath and to the women’s watchful presence.

Discussion questions

What does Mark tell us about the timing of the burial? Why does he mention it twice (vv. 42-43)?
Joseph is called “a prominent council member” and “one who was waiting for the kingdom of God.” What does waiting for the kingdom look like in everyday life?
The Greek word for “boldly” (τολμήσας) is strong: Joseph dared to enter Pilate’s presence. What gave him that courage, especially when other disciples had fled?
Pilate verifies Jesus’ death through the centurion. Why is this detail important for the gospel message?
The women “watched” (ἐθεώρουν) where the body was placed. How does their careful observation connect to what happens in Mark 16?
Burial customs, linen, rock tomb, stone rolled, show that Jesus was truly dead and truly buried. How does the reality of death shape our hope of resurrection?
If you were in Joseph’s position, what risks would you face in showing loyalty to Jesus publicly? What might hold you back?

What the Commentators Say

10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.

Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826

Clarke highlights the striking reversal: Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple until now, boldly requests Jesus' body while the strong disciples have fled. The weak women watch faithfully. For Clarke, this proves that human strength and weakness are mere labels; true courage comes only from God, and Christ's death itself becomes the ground of all boldness.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832

Barnes highlights that God raised up Joseph, a secret disciple, to boldly request Jesus' body at the critical moment when the apostles had fled. Joseph's courage to identify with Jesus in his deepest humiliation proves his genuine attachment. True love for Christ is shown by standing with him in adversity, not only in times of honor.

Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564

Calvin highlights that Joseph's waiting for the kingdom of God was the root and source of his righteousness, not merely an additional virtue. This waiting meant cherishing hope in God's promised redemption amid the disorder of the age, a hope that few truly held despite the promise being given to all.

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880

Joseph of Arimathea, once a secret disciple, now boldly asks for Jesus' body. The Cross transforms cowards into heroes. Pilate, contrary to his usual character, freely gives up the body, using a Greek word that means "to give freely" or "largiri," implying no payment was taken. The women carefully observe where Jesus is laid.

Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599

The Geneva Notes emphasize Joseph of Arimathea's boldness: as a council member who feared the Jewish leaders, he still dared to ask Pilate for Jesus' body. They also highlight Pilate's careful verification through the centurion, confirming Jesus truly died before releasing the body for burial.

Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748

Gill emphasizes that Pilate was surprised Jesus had died so quickly, since crucifixion normally took much longer. Pilate therefore carefully investigated by questioning the centurion, who confirmed Jesus was truly dead. This, Gill argues, removes any doubt about the reality of Christ's death and burial.

Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857

Lange stresses that Mark alone notes the centurion’s confession was triggered by Jesus’ loud death cry. For Lange, this triumphant shout revealed the Lion of Judah dying with power, astonishing a soldier who knew death only from battle. The cry itself became the centurion’s revelation.

Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710

Henry's distinctive point is the contrast between human and divine intention at Jesus's burial. His enemies meant for him to be buried with criminals, but God arranged for a rich man's tomb, fulfilling prophecy. The haste came from the approaching Sabbath, when Jewish custom required more strict observance than other feast days.

Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887

Vincent draws attention to the Greek words behind the narrative: "honorable" originally meant dignified appearance and bearing, not merely high rank. He notes Joseph's boldness means he dared all possible consequences, and the women's watching implies steady, careful contemplation.

Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754

Wesley draws attention to Joseph of Arimathea's high standing as a Sanhedrin member who actively expected God's kingdom, and notes the practical detail that he rolled the stone by his servants because it was too large for one man to move alone.

Word Study

The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.

γίνομαι ginomai to be G1096 · Greek → εἰμί eimi to be G1510 · Greek → ἐπεί epei since G1893 · Greek → ἤδη ēdē already G2235 · Greek → καί kai and G2532 · Greek → ὅς hos, hē which G3739 · Greek → ὀψία opsia evening G3798 · Greek → παρασκευή paraskeuē Preparation G3904 · Greek → πρός pros to/with G4314 · Greek →

Cross-References

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)

Matthew 27:57	When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.
Matthew 27:62	Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,
Luke 23:50	Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man
Luke 23:56	They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
John 19:31	Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.
John 19:38	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 Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body.
John 19:42	Then, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand), they laid Jesus there.
Matthew 19:30	But many will be last who are first, and first who are last.

Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.

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