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Mark 15:46

And 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.

Mark 15:46 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we see the act of Joseph of Arimathea taking the body of Jesus down from the cross and preparing it for burial. The mention of fine linen indicates that great care and reverence were taken in handling Jesus' body. The wrapping of the body in linen was a common practice during that time for burial, showing respect for the deceased. The laying of the body in a sepulchre, hewn out of a rock, was also a traditional method of burial, signifying the final resting place of the departed. The rolling of a stone unto the door of the sepulchre further symbolizes the sealing of Jesus' tomb, ensuring that his body was secure and protected. This verse portrays the solemnity and gravity of Jesus' burial, emphasizing the significance of his death and the respect shown to his body in accordance with Jewish customs.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse mentioned above focuses on the symbolism of the actions taken after Jesus' crucifixion. The act of buying fine linen to wrap Jesus in before laying him in a sepulchre can be seen as a gesture of respect and reverence towards his body. It demonstrates the care and dignity with which Jesus was treated even after his death. Additionally, the linen itself is often associated with purity and righteousness in the Bible, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. The image of Jesus being laid in a sepulchre, hewn out of a rock, and a stone being rolled unto the door of the sepulchre highlights the finality of his death and burial, setting the stage for his miraculous resurrection. Overall, this verse showcases the profound love and devotion shown towards Jesus even in his darkest hour, foreshadowing the hope and victory that would come through his resurrection.

Mark 15:46 in other translations

American Standard Version

And 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.

World English Bible

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.

Douay-Rheims

And 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.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Who bought a linnen cloth, and tooke him downe, and wrapped him in the linnen cloth, and laide him in a tombe that was hewen out of a rocke, and rolled a stone vnto the doore of the sepulchre: