Concise Bible Dictionary:
Various words are so translated:
1. dethabar (Dan. 3:2-3).
2. haddabrin (Dan. 3:24, 27; Dan. 4:36; Dan. 6:7).
3. yeat (Ezra 7:14-15). These three words are Chaldee, and refer to various heathen officials as counselors of state.
4. yaats. The counselors in Israel, such as Jonathan, and Ahithophel, David’s counselors (1 Chron. 27:32-33). In Isaiah 9:6 the same word is applied to the Lord Jesus: “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
5. βουλευτής, a member of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50).
6. σύμωουλος, “a joint counselor” (Rom. 11:34).
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Mark 15:43. Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counsellor.
See also Luke 23:50.
The expression “counselor” means that Joseph was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrim or Great Council. Luke makes this clear by adding, “The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them” (Luke 23:51). “Them” undoubtedly refers to the Jewish authorities who had condemned Jesus. It is supposed by some that the expression “honorable” was a title of distinction applied to every “counselor” or member of the Sanhedrim.
For a description of this Council, see note on Matthew 26:59 (#718).
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