What is…
Arimathea

Greek: Ἁριμαθαία —transliteration: Harimathaia —derivation: likely derived from the Hebrew root רָמָה (ramah), meaning “height” or “high place”

This is an ancient Jewish city that was the birthplace of the Joseph in whose tomb our Lord was laid (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:51, 60; John 19:38).

It is probably the same place as Ramathaim in Ephraim, and the birthplace of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1, 19).

Others identify it with Ramleh in Dan, or Rama in Benjamin (Matthew 2:18).

More information

• Who is Joseph of Arimathea?
• Ramathaim
• Rama
• What is the Tribe of Ephraim?
• What is the Tribe of Benjamin?
• Questions and answers about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• A short account of the resurrection of Christ—in our “God’s Story: From Creation to Eternity” section
• Who is Samuel? and what is his significance?
• What are the Cities of the Bible? Names, descriptions, locations and types