Devine Scripture

John 19:39

What does John 19:39 mean?

A plain-English look at John 19:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 19:39 means

Nicodemus, who initially came to Jesus secretly by night (John 3), now openly joins Joseph of Arimathea. He brings a significant amount—about a hundred pounds—of myrrh and aloes, expensive aromatic resins used for embalming. This generous provision not only shows his deep reverence for Jesus but also aligns with the custom of preparing a body for burial within Jewish tradition. Nicodemus, once hesitant, now boldly demonstrates his faith and devotion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Nicodemus came (he who had first come to Jesus by night) with a roll of myrrh and aloes mixed, about a hundred pounds.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Nicodemus also came--who came unto Jesus by night at the first--bearing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, as it were, a hundred pounds.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Nicodemus also came (he who at the first came to Jesus by night), bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse introduces Nicodemus into the burial narrative, highlighting his past secret visit to Jesus. His significant contribution of spices immediately follows Joseph of Arimathea's request for the body. This collaborative effort by two once-secret disciples emphasizes their courageous commitment and sets the stage for the actual preparation and laying of Jesus' body in the tomb, fulfilling the customary Jewish burial practices.

v.38And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.

v.39This passage

v.40So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Song of Solomon 4:14

    Spikenard and saffron, Calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; Myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.

  • Mark 16:1

    And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.

  • John 7:50

    Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them),

  • 2 Chronicles 16:14

    And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had hewn out for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and divers kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.

  • John 3:1

    Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

  • Matthew 12:20

    A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory.

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