What does John 19:33 mean?

Explanation

John 19:33 refers to the moment when Roman soldiers were executing the practice of crucifixion, a common method of capital punishment in the Roman Empire.

The verse describes the soldiers coming to Jesus to break his legs, a procedure meant to hasten death during crucifixion (known as 'crurifragium').

However, upon arrival, they found Jesus already dead and therefore did not break his legs. The breaking of legs would increase the asphyxiation process because the subject would not be able to use their legs to push up and breathe, hastening death.

This verse is significant for its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and for its deeper meaning in Christian theology regarding the divine plan and the significance of Jesus’ undamaged body.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written within a context of conflict between the early Christian community and Jewish authorities, as well as the Roman Empire.

Crucifixion was a form of Roman execution designed to cause maximum pain, humiliation, and deterrence of crime.

During the passover, the Romans would be particularly cautious about rebellious acts and movements, such as those the Jewish authorities accused Jesus of leading.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse provides several insights:

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christians view this event as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Psalm 34:20 which says, "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken," and ties it to the Passover lamb, which is described in Exodus 12:46 as not having any bones broken.

Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God," symbolically linking him to the Passover lamb.

• Divine Plan: The fact that Jesus was already dead indicates a divine plan or timing, underlining that his death occurred according to a preordained sequence of events.
• Redemption without Destruction: Christ's unbroken bones have also been interpreted to mean that his means of redemption was whole and complete without the touch of human cruelty.

Practical Applications

The account of Jesus not having his legs broken speaks to the idea that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by human actions.

In practical terms, this can be applied to daily life by reminding individuals that there may be a broader divine plan at work beyond what is immediately apparent or understood.

It also provides a perspective on suffering and the end of life, while Jesus endured incredible suffering, there was an element of mercy in his earlier death, which can provide comfort for those who ponder the nature of death and suffering.

Cross-References

• Psalm 34:20: "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken."
• Exodus 12:46: "In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof."
• Numbers 9:12: "They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it."
• John 19:36: "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse that stand out include:

• Ἤδη: Translated as "already" in English, it conveys that something has taken place before a particular time or earlier than expected.
• θνῄσκω (thnesko): This is the Greek word translated as "was dead." It means to be dead or to die, emphasizing the state Jesus was found in.
• συντρίβω (suntribo): Translated "they brake," which is the action considered by the soldiers.

It means to break, break in pieces, or shatter, reflecting the violent nature of the intended act.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing crucifixion with other ancient practices of executions, it was among the most brutal and public.

Many ancient civilizations had practices for capital punishment, but crucifixion was unique in its prolonged and public display of suffering.

Religiously, the comparison between Jesus as the sacrificial lamb and the Passover lamb in Judaism underlines a continuity and divergence in how sacrifice and redemption are interpreted between the two faiths.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse touches upon the physicality of death by crucifixion.

Modern medical examination of crucifixion notes that death typically comes from asphyxiation, shock, or complications arising from the extreme trauma of the process.

The act of breaking the legs would have quickened death by asphyxiation due to the inability to push up to breathe, a fact in line with Roman practices to hasten death when necessary.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide different insights on this verse:

• **Raymond E.

Brown**, an eminent Johannine scholar, emphasizes the theological significance of the fulfillment of scripture in this scene.

• William Barclay notes that the breaking of legs was not an unusual practice, but the fact that it was not necessary for Jesus underscored the unique circumstances of his death.
• **Craig S.

Keener**, in his commentary on John, highlights the theme of Jesus as the Passover lamb that John’s gospel is drawing by noting the details of Jesus’ death.

• Matthew Henry, in his classic commentary, views this as a merciful providence that Jesus's life was not further tormented and that prophecy was fulfilled through historical events.