Devine Scripture

John 19:40

What does John 19:40 mean?

A plain-English look at John 19:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 19:40 means

Joseph and Nicodemus take Jesus' body and, according to Jewish burial customs, wrap it in linen cloths with the copious spices provided by Nicodemus. This act of tender care and reverence is a stark contrast to the brutal execution Jesus endured. It signifies a respectful and honorable burial, preparing Jesus' body for rest, and is a vital step in the narrative, leading to the tomb where He would await resurrection, fulfilling prophesies of burial among the rich.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they took the body of Jesus, folding linen about it with the spices, as is the way of the Jews when they put the dead to rest.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

They took, therefore, the body of Jesus, and bound it with linen clothes with the spices, according as it was the custom of the Jews to prepare for burial;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They took therefore the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They took therefore the body of Jesus and bound it up in linen with the spices, as it is the custom with the Jews to prepare for burial.

Context

This verse describes the actual preparation of Jesus' body for burial by Joseph and Nicodemus, involving linen cloths and spices. This crucial step follows the gathering of the body and the necessary materials. This preparation directly precedes the placement of Jesus' body in the tomb, setting the scene for the resurrection narrative and emphasizing the fulfillment of burial customs even under urgent circumstances.

v.39And 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.

v.40This passage

v.41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 26:12

    For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

  • John 11:44

    He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

  • Luke 24:12

    But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass.

  • John 20:5

    and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths lying; yet entered he not in.

  • Acts 5:6

    And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.

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