Lexical Summary Harimathaia: Arimathea Original Word: Ἁριμαθαία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arimathaea. Of Hebrew origin (Ramah); Arimathaea (or Ramah), a place in Palestine -- Arimathaea. see HEBREW Ramah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin, cf. Ramah Definition Arimathea, probably a city near Jer. NASB Translation Arimathea (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 707: ἉριμαθαίαἉριμαθαία (WH Ἁριμαθαία, see their Introductory § 408), Ἁριμαθαίας, ἡ, Arimathaea, Hebrew רָמָה (a height), the name of several cities of Palestine; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus 3, p. 1275. The one mentioned in Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:51; John 19:38 appears to have been the same as that which was the birthplace and residence of Samuel, in Mount Ephraim: 1 Samuel 1:1, 19, etc. the Sept. Αρμαθαιμ, and without the article Ρ᾽αμαθεμ, and according to another reading Ρ᾽αμαθαιμ, 1 Macc. 11:34; Ρ᾽αμαθα in Josephus, Antiquities 13, 4, 9. Cf. Grimm on 1 Macc. 11:34; Keim, Jesus von Naz. 3:514; (B. D. American edition). Topical Lexicon Geographical Background Arimathea was a Judean town whose exact location is uncertain. Early Christian writers, echoing Jewish tradition, often equated it with Ramathaim-zophim, the hill country home of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1). Others associate it with modern-day Ramleh on the coastal plain or with Nebi Samwil just northwest of Jerusalem. Regardless of the precise site, the Gospel writers identify it as a “city of the Jews” (Luke 23:51), placing it within the region governed by the Sanhedrin and directly connected to Jerusalem. Biblical References • Matthew 27:57 Each occurrence names Arimathea only to introduce Joseph, the distinguished council member who cared for the crucified body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea: Character and Actions • Prominence: A “rich man” (Matthew 27:57) and “a respected member of the Council” (Mark 15:43). Theological Significance of Arimathea in the Burial of Jesus 1. Certifies the reality of Christ’s death. A reputable Sanhedrin member receives the corpse; the governor officially releases it. Fulfillment of Prophecy Isaiah 53:9 foretold that the suffering Servant would be “with the rich in His death.” Joseph’s wealth, tomb, and noble standing explicitly meet that detail, reinforcing the trustworthiness of predictive Scripture. Witness to the Historicity of the Resurrection Because Joseph’s identity and hometown were well known, opponents could have refuted claims of an empty tomb by consulting the family grave. The absence of such counter-evidence strengthens the apostolic proclamation, “He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). Lessons for Christian Discipleship • Kingdom hope produces moral courage; Joseph moved from fear to bold testimony. Traditional Identification of the Site Eusebius (Onomasticon) placed Arimathea near Lydda; Jerome favored Ramla; Crusader sources located it at Ramlah or at the height of Nebi Samwil. Archaeological certainty is lacking, but the diversity of early testimonies underscores the strong memory of a real Judean town tied to the Gospel events. See Also Ramah; Ramathaim-zophim; Joseph of Arimathea; Burial of Jesus; Isaiah 53; Sanhedrin Forms and Transliterations Αριμαθαιας Ἁριμαθαίας Arimathaias Harimathaias HarimathaíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:57 N-GFSGRK: πλούσιος ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας τοὔνομα Ἰωσήφ NAS: man from Arimathea, named KJV: man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, INT: rich from Arimathea by name Joseph Mark 15:43 N-GFS Luke 23:51 N-GFS John 19:38 N-GFS |
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