John 19 39

John 19:39 kjv

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

John 19:39 nkjv

And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

John 19:39 niv

He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

John 19:39 esv

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.

John 19:39 nlt

With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes.

John 19 verses

John 19 39 Meaning

John 19:39 describes Nicodemus, a prominent Jewish leader who previously sought Jesus privately, now courageously appearing publicly with Joseph of Arimathea. He brings an exceptionally large quantity of costly aromatic spices—myrrh and aloes—for Jesus’ burial, a customary practice to honor the deceased and prepare the body for interment. This act signifies deep reverence, immense personal cost, and a remarkable display of faith from a secret disciple, transforming into public adoration after Christ's crucifixion.

John 19 39 Context

John chapter 19 describes the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. Following Jesus’ death on the cross, Roman authorities had to ensure the bodies were removed before the Sabbath, especially before the high Sabbath of Passover. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and a respected member of the Sanhedrin, boldly approaches Pilate to request Jesus’ body for burial (Jn 19:38). Verse 39 then introduces Nicodemus, another influential Pharisee and Sanhedrin member who was initially fearful of public association with Jesus. Their combined act—Joseph's request for the body and Nicodemus' provision of lavish spices—marks a pivotal moment. Culturally, Jewish burial customs involved washing and anointing the body with aromatic spices, then wrapping it in linen cloths. Embalming as practiced by Egyptians was not common. The immense quantity of spices Nicodemus brought signals a burial of exceptionally high honor, typically reserved for royalty or great personages, indicating their profound love and respect for Jesus, now publicly displayed even in His death.

John 19 39 Word analysis

• And there came also Nicodemus: Signals his emergence from secrecy, a dramatic change from his initial night visit (Jn 3). "Also" connects his arrival to Joseph of Arimathea (Jn 19:38), highlighting their combined courage.
• Nicodemus (Νικόδημος): A Greek name, meaning "victory of the people." A Pharisee, ruler of the Jews, and member of the Sanhedrin (Jn 3:1). His appearance here shows remarkable bravery, as openly mourning a crucified criminal carried immense social and political risk.
• which at the first came to Jesus by night (πρῶτον ἐλθὼν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτός): This phrase is a deliberate reminder of his cautious, even fearful, initial encounter (Jn 3:2). It underscores the significant spiritual transformation and increased boldness in his faith.
• and brought (φέρων): Greek participle indicating an active and deliberate action on his part. He didn't just appear; he actively contributed.
• a mixture (μῖγμα): Refers to a compound or blend of ingredients. This was common for preparing spices for burial, designed to perfume the body.
• of myrrh (σμύρνης): A fragrant, bitter resin from trees, used medicinally, as perfume, and significantly, for embalming and anointing the dead (Jn 11:44; Est 2:12). It was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus (Mt 2:11), symbolizing suffering and death.
• and aloes (ἀλόης): Not the common aloe vera plant, but an aromatic wood (specifically from the aquilaria tree) ground into powder. Used for perfume and as a funerary spice (S Song 4:14; Ps 45:8). Its presence adds to the richness and expense.
• about an hundred pound weight (ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν): "Litra" (Greek: λίτρα) was a Roman pound, roughly 12 ounces or 327 grams. A hundred litra would be about 75-80 pounds (or approximately 32-34 kg) of spices. This quantity is extraordinarily large, signifying royal honor, great expense, and immense devotion, far exceeding typical Jewish burial preparations. For comparison, Queen Helen of Adiabene brought spices for her son Izates' burial estimated around 80 pounds, which was considered lavish. Nicodemus's gift surpasses even that.

Words-group analysis

• Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night: This phrase contrasts Nicodemus' initial secretive approach with his public action here. It emphasizes his spiritual journey from hesitant seeker to courageous follower, driven by unwavering faith. His courage mirrors Joseph's.
• brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes: This action directly counters the common Jewish custom of simple anointing. The choice of specific, costly spices signals a ceremonial burial, elevating Jesus above an ordinary deceased person, almost to royal status. Myrrh and aloes carried deep symbolic value associated with royalty and sacred anointing in ancient cultures.
• about an hundred pound weight: The sheer magnitude of the spices highlights the immense cost, honor, and love poured into this act. This was a king's burial, defying the perception of Jesus as a mere crucified criminal. It parallels the anointing Mary gave Jesus (Jn 12:3), underscoring a theme of sacrificial devotion preceding and following His death. It speaks to the disciples' faith growing in the face of despair, even as others scattered.

John 19 39 Bonus section

The "hundred pound weight" of spices Nicodemus brought would have been exorbitantly expensive, likely costing a year's wages or more for an ordinary laborer. This profound financial sacrifice further emphasizes the depth of Nicodemus's faith and honor for Jesus. The action takes place rapidly due to the approaching Sabbath (preparation day). Nicodemus's boldness in publicly attending to the body of a condemned criminal demonstrates a remarkable reversal of his previous caution, driven by the profound impact Jesus had on him. His shift from asking "How can these things be?" (Jn 3:9) to a decisive, costly act of service demonstrates a journey of true discipleship—from intellectual curiosity to sacrificial devotion, fulfilling the meaning of being "born again" as discussed in their initial meeting. The timing of this display of loyalty, immediately following Jesus' death when most disciples had fled, also stands in stark contrast to their fear and dispersion. It suggests that while other disciples found their faith faltering at the cross, some, like Nicodemus and Joseph, found theirs solidified and empowered.

John 19 39 Commentary

John 19:39 captures a moment of profound transformation and unwavering devotion. Nicodemus, once a timid, nocturnal visitor, now boldly and publicly associates himself with the dead Christ. His provision of "an hundred pound weight" of myrrh and aloes is not merely practical; it is a monumental act of worship and anointment typically reserved for kings and highly esteemed figures. This lavish gesture underscores the immeasurable value Nicodemus placed on Jesus, signifying His true identity and Messiahship even in death. It reveals faith that deepened and grew stronger despite public disgrace, illustrating how divine grace can turn secret admiration into open adoration. His actions, alongside Joseph of Arimathea, also fulfill prophetic hints of the Messiah's burial among the rich.