Bible Dictionary
ARIMATHAEA
Arimathaea was the Jewish city associated with Joseph, who provided the tomb in which Jesus was laid. Its exact location is uncertain, though it has been connected with Ramathaim, Ramah, Beit Rima, or Ramallah.
Definition
Arimathaea was a Jewish city and the home of Joseph, whose sepulchre received the body of Jesus. Its exact identification is uncertain, though it has been associated with Ramathaim-Zophim, Ramah, Beit Rima, and Ramallah.
Biblical Usage
The Gospel accounts identify Joseph of Arimathaea as the person connected with the tomb in which Jesus was laid.
Historical Background
Eusebius and Jerome identified it with Ramathaim-Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. Other proposals place it at Beit Rima near Timnah or at Ramallah north of Jerusalem.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar-i-ma-the'-a (Arimathaia): "A city of the Jews," the home of Joseph in whose sepulchre the body of Jesus was laid. Its identity is the subject of much conjecture. The Onomasticon of Eusebius and Jerome identifies it with Ramathaim- Zophim in the hill-country of Ephraim (1Sa 11), which is Ramah the birthplace and burial-place of Samuel (1Sa 1:19; 25:1), and places it near Timnah on the borders of Judah and Dan. G. A. Smith thinks it may be the modern Beit Rima, a village on an eminence 2 miles North of Timnah. Others incline to Ramallah, 8 miles North of Jerusalem and 3 miles from Bethel (Mt 27:57; Mr 15:43; Lu 23:51; Joh 19:38).</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>