Occurrences in the New Testament

• Matthew 27:60 – “Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away.”
• Mark 15:46 – “Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.”

Historical-Cultural Background

First-century Jewish tombs were typically hewn into limestone hillsides. Wealthier families sealed these rock-hewn chambers with a disk-shaped stone that could be rolled in a track cut before the doorway. The act of rolling the stone into place signified the closure of the burial rite, protected the body from animals and grave robbers, and publicly declared that the deceased had been properly interred. The verbs used in Matthew and Mark accurately reflect this known practice, underscoring the authenticity of the Gospel narratives.

Narrative Context

Matthew and Mark present Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who awaited the kingdom of God, boldly requesting Jesus’ body from Pilate. By rolling the stone to the tomb’s door, Joseph completed the burial before sunset on Preparation Day. The description serves three narrative purposes:

1. It confirms Jesus’ genuine death—His body is placed in a sealed tomb.
2. It sets the stage for the women’s concern on Sunday morning: “Who will roll away the stone for us…?” (Mark 16:3, using ἀποκυλίω, “roll away”).
3. It magnifies the miracle of the Resurrection, for the stone that Joseph rolled into place is later found removed by divine intervention.

Theological Significance

1. Finality of Death: The rolling of the stone testifies to the finality and undeniability of Jesus’ death, reinforcing the necessity of a bodily resurrection.
2. Fulfillment of Scripture: Isaiah 53:9 foretold that the Suffering Servant would be buried with the rich. Joseph’s new tomb and the stone he rolled fulfill this prophecy precisely.
3. Sovereignty of God: Human effort sealed the tomb; divine power opened it. The contrast highlights God’s supremacy over human barriers.

Related Biblical Imagery

• Stones as Barriers Removed – Joshua 10:18; Daniel 6:17; illustrating God’s ability to overturn human seals.
• Opening of Graves – Ezekiel 37:12 anticipates resurrection hope fulfilled in Christ.
• “Take away the stone” – John 11:39, the command at Lazarus’ tomb, foreshadows Jesus’ own victory over the grave.

Ministerial Applications

1. Assurance of Resurrection: The securely sealed tomb reminds believers that Easter morning was not a contrived event but a historical act of God.
2. Courageous Discipleship: Joseph’s public identification with Jesus, sealed by rolling the stone, encourages modern disciples to honor Christ openly, even when costly.
3. Pastoral Comfort: The image of the immovable stone now removed offers comfort to those facing seemingly impossible obstacles; what humans seal, God can open.

Distinct Verb Usage

Matthew 27:60 and Mark 15:46 employ προσκυλίω (“roll up to, against”), emphasizing the deliberate action of closing. Resurrection texts (Mark 16:3-4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1) switch to ἀποκυλίω or αἴρω, verbs of removal, reinforcing the narrative progression from human closure to divine opening.

Summary

Strong’s 4351 captures a quiet but crucial act in the burial of Jesus Christ. The rolling of the stone authenticates His death, fulfills prophecy, highlights God’s sovereignty, and offers enduring lessons for faith and ministry.