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Arimathaea

Locations
Modern Location Likely Ramla, Israel
Coordinates 31.9188, 34.8282

Geographical Setting

An ancient Judean city identified with the hometown of Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who provided his tomb for the burial of Jesus.

What is the meaning of Arimathaea in the Bible?

A city in Judea, traditionally identified as the hometown of Joseph of Arimathea, whose tomb was used for the burial of Jesus following his crucifixion.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Arimathea helps clarify the geographical context of the Gospels, specifically regarding the involvement of a local Sanhedrin member in the burial narrative and the fulfillment of prophetic texts concerning the Messiah's burial with the rich.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Arimathaea (located near modern Likely Ramla, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Arimathaea in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Arimathaea clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Arimathaea." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/arimathaea/
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