Arimathea
Ἁριμαθαία/air-ih-muh-THEE-uh/
“Heights or a high place”
Summary
A city of the Jews, the home of Joseph who received Jesus' body from Pilate and buried it in his own new tomb.
☩Biblical Reference
Arimathea was the birthplace or residence of Joseph, the wealthy and honorable counselor who boldly requested Jesus' body from Pilate and buried it in his own new rock-hewn tomb. Luke describes it as 'a city of the Jews.'
Key verses:Matthew 27:57Mark 15:43Luke 23:51John 19:38
☩Identification
Arimathea is generally regarded as the same place as the Ramathaim of Samuel, also called Ramah. Some identify it with the modern Ramleh, on the road from Jaffa to Jerusalem, while others place it elsewhere. Tradition associates it with Ramah, Samuel's birthplace.
Key verses:1 Samuel 1:11 Samuel 1:19
References
- 1.John Kitto, "Arimathea," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. I (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 2.Richard Watson, "Arimathea," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Arimathea," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Arimathea," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).