Bible Word of the Day
Arimathea (Joseph of Arimathea)
Meaning
Arimathea was a small Jewish town located in Judea. Its location is uncertain and some think it was located to the northwest of Jerusalem between Antripatris and Emmaus. The city is mentioned in connection with a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Sanhedrin, but believed on Jesus as the Messiah. He is known as the man who took down the body of Jesus after His crucifixion and laid it in his own tomb.
An interesting note is in the Hebrew the name of the city is pronounced “Harimathea” where the letter “H” represents taking a rough breath. Mark’s Gospel account tells us Joseph was a righteous man waiting for the kingdom of God. And Matthew 27:57 described this Joseph as a rich man and a disciple of Jesus. However, it’s believed he was a secret disciple of Jesus. Someone who did not want to be public regarding his faith in Christ, but after the death of Jesus he became more bold in his faith.
“Now behold, and there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.” (Luke 23:50-53)