Luke 23:52

Luke 23:52

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

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus.

What Does Luke 23:52 Mean?

Crucified men were commonly denied honorable burial; someone must ask the governor in person. Joseph — until now a discreet disciple — walks into Pilate's presence and begs the body of a man just executed on a charge of treason.

It is a public, unretractable act of allegiance, made at the moment the cause of Jesus looks most lost. The cross, which scattered bolder men, makes Joseph brave. So it still works: the love of Christ crucified draws hidden disciples into the open. Devotion that has never risked anything has not yet stood where Joseph stood.

Keep Studying Luke 23

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.