Matthew 27:60

Brooklyn Museum - Jesus Carried to the Tomb (J%C3%A9sus port%C3%A9 au tombeau) - James Tissot

Matthew 27:60 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the narrative of the burial of Jesus, an event that is recorded in all four Gospels. Matthew 27:60 specifically describes the action taken by Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, who provides his own new tomb for Jesus' burial. The verse reads:

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Context

The context of Matthew 27:60 is the immediate aftermath of the Crucifixion of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea, described as a wealthy man and a member of the Sanhedrin who had become a follower of Jesus, goes to Pontius Pilate to request the body of Jesus for burial. Pilate grants this request, and Joseph takes the body, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, and places it in his own tomb, which had been carved out of rock. This act of burial is significant in the Christian tradition, as it precedes the Resurrection of Jesus, a foundational event in Christianity.

Significance

The burial of Jesus in a new tomb fulfills prophecies found in the Hebrew Scriptures, such as Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the suffering servant being with the rich in his death. The act of Joseph of Arimathea is seen as a demonstration of his devotion and respect for Jesus. The detail of the tomb being new and hewn out of rock is often interpreted to symbolize that Jesus' body was placed in a pure and untouched space, further emphasizing the holiness of the burial site.

Theological Interpretations

Theologians and biblical scholars have explored the significance of Jesus' burial in various ways. It is seen as a testament to the reality of Jesus' human death, and as a prelude to the Resurrection, underscoring the Christian belief in life after death. The burial is also interpreted as an act of divine providence, with Joseph of Arimathea's role being preordained as part of the fulfillment of prophecy.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The burial of Jesus has been a subject of significant interest in Christian art, liturgy, and piety. Depictions of the entombment of Christ are common in Christian iconography, and the site traditionally believed to be the tomb of Jesus, located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, is a major pilgrimage destination.

See Also

• Crucifixion of Jesus
• Resurrection of Jesus
• Gospel of Matthew
• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pontius Pilate