Brief Overview of Ἁριμαθαία (G707: Arimathia)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Arimathia

Root Words:

• Ἁριμαθαία (Arimathia): The name Ἁριμαθαία refers to a place and is commonly translated as “Arimathea.” It is a proper noun in Greek and does not have a commonly recognized root word in classical usage.

Primary Meanings:

• Place Name: Arimathia is primarily a place name. In the New Testament, it is associated with a town or region.
• Association with Joseph of Arimathea: The name is closely linked to Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council who provided his own tomb for Jesus’ burial.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes Ἁριμαθαία as a proper noun denoting a location. It specifically refers to a town in Judea, known in the New Testament context as the home of Joseph of Arimathea. BDAG provides details on its historical and geographical significance, including its mention in the Gospels.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon identifies Ἁριμαθαία as a place in Judea. It notes its mention in relation to Joseph of Arimathea, emphasizing its role in the narrative of Jesus’ burial.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary lists Ἁριμαθαία as a town of Judea, focusing on its association with Joseph and its significance in the context of Jesus’ burial.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon confirms Ἁριμαθαία as a location, noting its use in the New Testament and providing historical context about the place and its association with biblical events.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies Ἁριμαθαία as “Arimathea,” a town in Judea, noted in the context of Joseph’s role in Jesus’ burial.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 27:57 (KJV): “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple.”
• This verse highlights Joseph’s origin and his significant role in the burial of Jesus.
• Mark 15:43 (KJV): “Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”
• The verse emphasizes Joseph’s background and his action in requesting Jesus’ body.
• Luke 23:50 (KJV): “And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them; he was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.”
• This verse provides further details about Joseph’s character and his hometown.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, Ἁριμαθαία is not frequently mentioned outside the biblical texts. Its primary literary significance comes from its role in the New Testament narrative, rather than classical Greek literature.

4. Summary:

The term Ἁριμαθαία (G707: Arimathia) refers to a town in Judea, notable in the New Testament as the home of Joseph of Arimathea. The name appears in the context of Jesus’ burial, where Joseph plays a key role in providing a tomb for Jesus. BDAG and other lexicons confirm its meaning as a place name associated with Joseph, while classic Greek literature does not offer additional details outside of biblical texts. The term’s significance is primarily rooted in its New Testament context and its association with key events in the life of Jesus.