John 19 40

John 19:40 kjv

Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

John 19:40 nkjv

Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

John 19:40 niv

Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

John 19:40 esv

So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

John 19:40 nlt

Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus' body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth.

John 19 verses

John 19 40 Meaning

This verse signifies the fulfillment of Jewish burial customs for Jesus. It highlights the respectful treatment of Jesus' body after his crucifixion, following his death, in stark contrast to the violent end he suffered. The actions described are crucial for the narrative of his death and burial, preparing for the events of the resurrection.

John 19 40 Context

In the immediate chapter context, John 19 details the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Following Jesus' final words and the piercing of his side, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, and Nicodemus, another follower, step forward. These men, despite the public shame and Roman authority present, carry out the traditional Jewish burial rites for Jesus. This is happening on the day of Preparation, just before the Sabbath. The burial in a garden tomb and the careful preparation of the body with spices are critical steps leading into the account of the empty tomb and resurrection. This chapter is the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, focusing on his sacrificial death and the beginning of his victory over death. Historically, Roman crucifixion was a brutal public execution meant to be shameful, and bodies were often left exposed. Jewish law, however, required the prompt burial of the dead, especially before the Sabbath.

John 19 40 Word Analysis

• "Joseph" (Ἰωσήφ, Iōsēph): A common Jewish name, meaning "He will add" or "He will increase." This Joseph is specifically identified as from Arimathea. His role here signifies a notable public act of discipleship and compassion.

• "of Arimathea" (Ἁριμαθείας, Arimathaias): A town, likely in Judea. The mention of his origin adds a specific geographical detail to his identity.

• "a disciple" (μαθητής, mathētēs): One who follows and learns from Jesus.

• "but secretly" (κρυφαῖος, kryphaios): Hidden, concealed. This implies he was a disciple who had not publicly declared his faith, likely due to fear of the Jewish authorities. His action now reveals his true allegiance.

• "for fear of the Jews" (διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, dia ton phobon tōn Ioudaion): Due to the fear of the Jewish leadership and their opposition to Jesus. This explains his previous secrecy.

• "asked permission" (ἠρώτησεν Πιλᾶτον, ērōtēsen Pīlaton): Addressed Pilate, the Roman governor. This demonstrates that Roman authority was still paramount in allowing the body to be taken down from the cross and buried, despite Jewish law and custom.

• "to take away the body of Jesus" (ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, hina arē to sōma tou Iēsou): To remove Jesus' body. This was a critical request for burial. The "body" (σῶμα, sōma) is the physical person.

• "And Pilate gave him permission" ( καὶ ὁ Πιλᾶτος ἐπέτρεψεν, kai ho Pīlatos epetrepsen): Pilate allowed it. This shows Pilate’s pragmatic decision to let the burial proceed, perhaps to avoid further unrest or because the execution was complete.

• "He came therefore" (ἒλθων οὖν, elthōn oun): "Having come, therefore." This indicates his arrival at the place of crucifixion.

• "and took" (καὶ ἦρεν, kai ēren): Took possession of the body.

• "the body of Jesus" (τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, to sōma tou Iēsou): Jesus' physical body.

• "and brought" (καὶ ἔλαβεν, kai elaben): He took and brought.

• "it" (αὐτό, auto): The body.

• "with him" (αὐτόν, auton): Together with Joseph himself.

• "then" (τότε, tote): At that time.

• "and Nicodemus" (καὶ Νικόδημος, kai Nikodēmos): The Pharisee and ruler mentioned earlier in John 3.

• "who had first come to him by night" (ὁ ἐλθὼν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτὸς τὸ πρῶτον, ho elthōn pros auton nyktos to prōton): A direct reference to their initial, clandestine meeting, emphasizing his continued secretive following of Jesus.

• "came also" (ἦλθεν καὶ αὐτός, ēlthen kai autos): Nicodemus joined Joseph.

• "bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes" (φέρων μῖγμα σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης, pherōn migma smyrnēs kai aloeis): Myrrh and aloes were valuable aromatic substances, often used in funerary rites and embalming, indicating a costly and respectful preparation. This preparation cost approximately one hundred pounds.

• Word Group: Burial Preparations: The joint actions of Joseph and Nicodemus represent a coordinated effort to provide a dignified burial, fulfilling religious and social obligations, and reflecting their dedication despite previous timidity. This signifies the early community of believers stepping out.

John 19 40 Bonus Section

The use of "myrrh and aloes" has symbolic resonance. Myrrh was a costly perfume associated with sorrow, embalming, and royalty, while aloes, a fragrant wood, was also used in perfumery and purification. The immense quantity (one hundred pounds) implies a significant effort and expense, suggesting not just wrapping but perhaps a form of anointing or embalming. This contrasts sharply with the humiliation and violence Jesus endured on the cross. The presence of these wealthy substances is a stark prefigurement of Christ’s royal status and his anointing as Messiah. This detailed account underscores the commitment of these two disciples who, though previously fearful, now openly perform a loving act for their deceased Lord, foreshadowing the bravery of the disciples after Pentecost.

John 19 40 Commentary

The careful wrapping of Jesus’ body with linen cloths and the generous use of myrrh and aloes by Joseph and Nicodemus are significant actions. They underscore the Jewish expectation of respecting the deceased and preparing them for burial according to custom. This event also serves as a fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold by Isaiah concerning the Messiah having his grave with the rich. Furthermore, it highlights that even in death, Jesus received the honor and care befitting his true identity, despite the shame of the cross. The large quantity of spices is notable; it points to an intention for embalming, a practice not as common for plain burials in Judea but certainly within the bounds of meticulous care for the dead. This preparation of the body is the final earthly act before the glorious resurrection.