King James Version

What Does Luke 23:51 Mean?

Luke 23:51 in the King James Version says “(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 23:51 · KJV

Context

49

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

50

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

51

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52

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

53

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. Luke provides crucial clarification in parentheses: Joseph had not consented to the counsel and deed of them (οὗτος οὐκ ἦν συγκατατεθειμένος τῇ βουλῇ καὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτῶν, houtos ouk ēn synkatatetheimenos tē boulē kai tē praxei autōn). The perfect participle synkatatetheimenos (συγκατατεθειμένος) means "to vote with, to agree with, to consent to." The negative (ouk, οὐκ) makes this emphatic: Joseph absolutely did not agree with the Sanhedrin's decision to condemn Jesus.

Two nouns describe what Joseph opposed: boulē (βουλῇ, "counsel, plan, resolution") refers to the Sanhedrin's deliberation and decision-making; praxis (πράξει, "deed, action, execution") refers to carrying out that decision—delivering Jesus to Pilate and demanding crucifixion. Joseph dissented from both the verdict and its implementation. Whether he was absent during the night trial, abstained from voting, or voted against the majority, Luke makes clear Joseph bore no guilt for Jesus's death. This detail is theologically significant—God ensured a righteous man would provide Jesus honorable burial.

Joseph's identity continues: he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, locating his origin. Most importantly, who also himself waited for the kingdom of God (ὃς προσεδέχετο τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ, hos prosedecheto tēn basileian tou theou). The verb prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι) means to wait for, expect, welcome, receive—describing eager, active anticipation. Joseph was among those righteous Jews who longed for Messiah's coming and God's kingdom. Like Simeon (Luke 2:25, 38), he represents the faithful remnant expecting redemption. Ironically, while waiting for the kingdom, Joseph failed to recognize the King until after His death—a pattern repeated throughout Israel's history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin's trial of Jesus violated multiple provisions of Jewish law: it occurred at night, on Passover eve, without proper witnesses, and concluded in one session rather than requiring a second session the next day for capital cases. That Joseph 'had not consented' suggests either (1) he was absent from the illegal night trial, (2) he was present but abstained or voted against, or (3) he protested but was overruled. Talmudic law required unanimous consent for capital verdicts, but this provision may not have been enforced under Roman occupation.

Joseph's waiting for God's kingdom places him among devout Jews who studied prophecy, prayed for Messiah's coming, and looked for Israel's consolation. This hope sustained the faithful through Roman occupation, Herodian corruption, and Sadducean compromise. The 'kingdom of God' (βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) was central to Jewish expectation—God's sovereign rule breaking into history, overthrowing evil, vindicating the righteous, and establishing justice. Jesus's proclamation that 'the kingdom of God is at hand' (Mark 1:15) directly addressed this longing.

Yet Joseph apparently didn't recognize Jesus as the Messiah until His death. The crucifixion paradoxically revealed what Jesus's ministry had obscured for many: the Messiah must suffer before reigning (Luke 24:26). Joseph's public action—requesting Jesus's body—constituted coming out of hiding. He risked everything: reputation, position, wealth, religious standing. His courage illustrates John 12:42-43: many believed but feared to confess; Joseph finally overcame that fear. Nicodemus joined him (John 19:39), showing that secret discipleship can emerge into bold confession when crisis demands decision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Joseph's dissent from the Sanhedrin's decision teach about maintaining integrity within corrupt systems?
  2. How does Joseph's 'waiting for the kingdom of God' yet initially missing the King warn against preconceived expectations blinding us to God's actual work?
  3. What finally moved Joseph from secret discipleship to public confession, and what does this teach about the role of crisis in spiritual growth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οὗτος1 of 24

“(The same”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὐκ2 of 24

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦν3 of 24
G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

συγκατατεθειμένος4 of 24

“consented”

G4784

to deposit (one's vote or opinion) in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to accord with

τῇ5 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βουλῇ6 of 24

“to the counsel”

G1012

volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose

καὶ7 of 24

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ8 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πράξει9 of 24

“deed”

G4234

practice, i.e., (concretely) an act; by extension, a function

αὐτὸς10 of 24

“himself”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπὸ11 of 24

“he was of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἁριμαθαίας12 of 24

“Arimathaea”

G707

arimathaea (or ramah), a place in palestine

πόλεως13 of 24

“a city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τῶν14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων15 of 24

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὃς16 of 24

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ17 of 24

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσεδέχετο18 of 24

“waited for”

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

καὶ19 of 24

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτὸς20 of 24

“himself”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν21 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν22 of 24

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ23 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ24 of 24

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 23:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 23:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:25Luke 2:38Genesis 49:18Genesis 37:21-22Genesis 42:21-22Isaiah 8:12

Places in This Verse

Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
View all places in Luke 23 →

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