John 19

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

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.

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.

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

What does John 19:40 mean?

Explanation

John 19:40 describes the process that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus undertook in preparation for Jesus’ burial following His crucifixion.

Here, the Gospel writer emphasizes the care and respect with which Jesus was treated after death.

The act of winding the body in linen with spices is significant.

It reflects both an adherence to Jewish burial customs of the time and the honor given to Jesus.

Linen was regarded as a clean and pure fabric, suitable for burial, and the spices -- likely myrrh and aloes -- served the practical purpose of countering the odor of decay and symbolized honor and reverence for the deceased.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish burial practices involved wrapping the body in cloth and using spices to anoint it.

These customs are referenced in various other parts of the Bible and are known from historical accounts.

Spices used could be quite costly, indicating that those involved in the burial held Jesus in high esteem.

This verse implies that despite the Roman practice of crucifixion (typically a shameful death followed by leaving the body exposed), Jesus was given a respectful burial, as would befit someone of importance and honor in Jewish society.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may emphasize varying aspects of this verse.

Generally, the verse underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus’ messiahship, as respectful burial was seen as befitting for a king.

It also signifies piety and respect for the body, which is an important aspect of Christian theology, as the body is seen as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, some theologians might contemplate the implications of Joseph of Arimathea's actions, highlighting his covert discipleship and his emerging faith in dealing with the body of Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers to show respect and honor to others, in life and in death. It highlights the importance of rituals and traditions in mourning and honoring the deceased.

Moreover, it is a reminder of the dignity and sanctity of the human body.

Christians might be inspired to handle the bodies of the deceased with care and to ensure that funeral practices uphold the values of their faith.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:59-60: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"
Mark 15:46: "And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen..."
Luke 23:53: "And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone..."
Isaiah 53:9: "And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death..."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse are "body" (Greek - "soma"), "wound" (Greek - "eneileo," meaning to wrap or roll), "linen clothes" (Greek - "othonion," referring to fine linen), and "spices" (Greek - "aromaton," which generally refers to aromatic substances).

Understanding these original terms gives us deeper insight into the specifics of the burial customs and the materials used.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient practices, Egyptian mummification also involved wrapping the body in linen and using spices and resins, although with the intent of preservation rather than out of respect alone.

In other cultures of the ancient Near East, burying the dead with honor was also an important practice, though methods and materials varied.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the use of linen and spices would provide a modest preservative effect on the body.

Linen can wick away moisture, which slows down the decomposition process, and the aromatic spices could mask odors and potentially have some antibacterial properties, depending on the materials used.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various insights into John 19:40.

Some focus on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, seeing the actions of Joseph and Nicodemus as part of a divine plan.

Others point to the demonstration of courage by Joseph of Arimathea in requesting Jesus' body from Pilate.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the contrast between Jesus' humble state on the cross and the honor given Him at His burial, seeing in it the blend of suffering and glory.

Adam Clarke's Commentary reflects on the quantity of spices used, taking it as evidence of both the devotion of Joseph and Nicodemus and the recognition of Jesus' kingly status.

John 19

John 19

What does John 19:40 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 19:40 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?