New International VersionTaking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
New Living TranslationFollowing Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth.
English Standard VersionSo they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
Berean Standard BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
Berean Literal BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as is the custom among the Jews to prepare for burial.
King James BibleThen took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
New King James VersionThen 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.
New American Standard BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
NASB 1995So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
NASB 1977And so they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
Legacy Standard BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
Amplified BibleSo they took Jesus’ body and bound it in linen wrappings with the fragrant spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
Christian Standard BibleThey took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
American Standard VersionSo they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
Contemporary English VersionThe two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead.
English Revised VersionSo they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThese two men took the body of Jesus and bound it with strips of linen. They laced the strips with spices. This was the Jewish custom for burial.
Good News TranslationThe two men took Jesus' body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial.
International Standard VersionThey took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths along with spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
NET BibleThen they took Jesus' body and wrapped it, with the aromatic spices, in strips of linen cloth according to Jewish burial customs.
New Heart English BibleSo they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, according to Jewish burial practice.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Weymouth New TestamentTaking down the body they wrapped it in linen cloths along with the spices, in accordance with the Jewish mode of preparing for burial. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
World English BibleSo they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTherefore they took 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;
Berean Literal BibleSo they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as is the custom among the Jews to prepare for burial.
Young's Literal Translation 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;
Smith's Literal TranslationThen took they the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen bandages with spices, as the custom is to the Jews to prepare a body for interment. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey took therefore the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, they took the body of Jesus, and they bound it with linen cloths and the aromatic spices, just as it is the manner of the Jews to bury.
New American BibleThey took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
New Revised Standard VersionThey took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they took away the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the custom of the Jews in burial.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they took away the body of Yeshua and wrapped it in linen and in sweet spices, just as the custom of the Judeans is for burying. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, according to the Jewish custom of burying.
Godbey New TestamentThen they received the body of Jesus, and wrapped it in linens with aromatics, as is the custom to the Jews to embalm.
Haweis New TestamentThen they took the body, and bound it with swathes together with the aromatics, as the custom is with the Jews to bury.
Mace New Testamentthey took therefore the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, according to the manner of burial among the Jews.
Weymouth New TestamentTaking down the body they wrapped it in linen cloths along with the spices, in accordance with the Jewish mode of preparing for burial.
Worrell New TestamentSo they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of Jews is to bury.
Worsley New TestamentSo they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Burial of Jesus… 39Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40Sothey tookthebodyof Jesusandwrappeditin linen clothswiththespices,according tothe Jewishburialcustom.41Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.…
Cross References Matthew 27:59So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
Mark 15:46So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
Luke 23:53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid.
John 11:44The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them.
John 20:5-7He bent down and looked in at the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. / Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. / The cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was rolled up, lying separate from the linen cloths.
Acts 5:6Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
Acts 9:37At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.
Acts 9:40Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.
Genesis 50:2-3And Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, / taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.
Genesis 50:5my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.”
Genesis 50:26So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.
2 Chronicles 16:14And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor.
Isaiah 53:9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
Jeremiah 34:5you will die in peace. As spices were burned for your fathers, the former kings who preceded you, so people will burn spices for you and lament, ‘Alas, O master!’ For I Myself have spoken this word, declares the LORD.”
Ezekiel 37:4-6And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. / I will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath within you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
Treasury of Scripture 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. wound. John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 20:5-7 And he stooping down,and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in… Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carriedhim out, and buriedhim. Jump to Previous AccordanceBodyBoundBurialBuryClothesClothsCustomCustomsDeadFoldingJesusJewishJewsLinenMannerModePreparePreparingRestSpicesStripsWayWoundWrappedWrappingsJump to Next AccordanceBodyBoundBurialBuryClothesClothsCustomCustomsDeadFoldingJesusJewishJewsLinenMannerModePreparePreparingRestSpicesStripsWayWoundWrappedWrappingsJohn 19 1.Jesus is scourged, crowned with thorns, and beaten.4.Pilate is desirous to release him,15.but being overcome with the outrage of the crowd, he delivers him to be crucified.23.They cast lots for his garments.25.He commends his mother to John.28.He dies.31.His side is pierced.38.He is buried by Joseph and Nicodemus.So they took the body of JesusThis phrase indicates the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who were responsible for the burial of Jesus. Joseph was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, while Nicodemus was a Pharisee who had previously visited Jesus at night. Their involvement fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be with a rich man in His death. The act of taking Jesus' body signifies their courage and devotion, as they risked their reputations and possibly their positions to honor Him. and wrapped it in linen cloths
The use of linen cloths for burial was a common Jewish practice, signifying respect and care for the deceased. Linen, a fine and costly fabric, was often used for the burial of the wealthy or honored individuals, which aligns with the prophecy of Jesus being buried with the rich. This act also prefigures the resurrection, as the linen cloths are later found in the empty tomb, symbolizing Jesus' victory over death. with the spices
Spices were used in Jewish burial customs to anoint the body and mask the odor of decay. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, which was an extravagant amount, indicating the high regard in which they held Jesus. This act of anointing with spices is reminiscent of the anointing of kings and foreshadows Jesus' role as the King of Kings. It also connects to the earlier anointing by Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume, preparing Him for burial. according to the Jewish burial custom
Jewish burial customs were rooted in the Torah and emphasized the dignity of the deceased. The body was to be buried as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours, to honor the dead and comply with Deuteronomic law. The preparation of Jesus' body according to these customs highlights the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in His life and death. It also underscores the humanity of Jesus, who experienced death and burial like any other human, yet His resurrection would transcend these customs, pointing to the new covenant. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure of the Christian faith, whose crucifixion and burial are described in this passage. 2. Joseph of ArimatheaA secret disciple of Jesus who, along with Nicodemus, took responsibility for Jesus' burial. 3. NicodemusA Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who previously visited Jesus at night and now assists in His burial. 4. Jewish Burial CustomThe traditional method of preparing a body for burial, involving wrapping in linen and using spices. 5. TombThe place where Jesus' body was laid, fulfilling prophecies about His burial. Teaching Points Respect for the BodyThe care taken in Jesus' burial reflects the value and respect for the human body, even in death. Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' burial in a rich man's tomb fulfills specific Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture. Courage in FaithJoseph and Nicodemus demonstrate courage by publicly associating with Jesus, challenging us to live boldly for our faith. Community in GriefThe involvement of multiple people in Jesus' burial highlights the importance of community support in times of loss. Preparation for ResurrectionThe burial sets the stage for the resurrection, reminding us that God’s plans often unfold beyond our immediate understanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 19:40?
2.How does John 19:40 demonstrate the fulfillment of Jewish burial customs?
3.What significance does the use of spices and linen hold in John 19:40?
4.How does John 19:40 connect to Old Testament burial practices?
5.How can we honor Christ's sacrifice in our daily lives, as seen here?
6.What does the burial preparation in John 19:40 teach about respect for the body?
7.How does John 19:40 confirm the burial customs of first-century Jewish culture?
8.What significance does the use of spices in John 19:40 hold for Jesus' burial?
9.Why is the involvement of Nicodemus in John 19:40 important for understanding Jesus' burial?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 19?
11.Was Jesus' body wrapped in spices before burial, or was he simply wrapped in linen with spices prepared later by women?
12.Why did the women visit the tomb? To anoint Jesus with spices (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55-24:1), to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1), or for no specified reason (John 20:1).
13.How could Jesus physically appear in a locked room, as described in John 20:19, if he had a tangible, resurrected body?
14.How did Joseph of Arimathea manage to secure and prepare a new tomb so quickly, as described in John 19:38-42?What Does John 19:40 Mean So they took the body of Jesus• Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus step forward after Jesus’ death (John 19:38-39). Their courage answers their earlier silence and shows God’s providence in providing honorable caretakers for His Son. • The phrase underscores the reality of Jesus’ physical death—He was not merely unconscious. Pilate confirmed the death (Mark 15:45), and the soldiers had pierced His side (John 19:33-34). • By removing the body before nightfall they obeyedDeuteronomy 21:22-23, keeping the land from ceremonial defilement and fulfilling Scripture that even in death Jesus remained under God’s law (Galatians 4:4-5). •Isaiah 53:9 foretold that the Suffering Servant would be assigned a grave “with a rich man.” Joseph’s actions make that prophecy concrete.
and wrapped it in linen cloths• Joseph purchased “a linen cloth” (Mark 15:46) and, with Nicodemus, wound the body in strips—an act of reverence normally performed by family or close friends (Luke 23:53). • Linen points to purity (Revelation 19:8). The spotless Lamb is laid to rest in clean fabric, visually affirming His sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15). • The careful wrapping refutes later rumors that disciples stole the body; the grave-clothes were found undisturbed (John 20:6-7). • At Jesus’ birth He was wrapped in swaddling cloths (Luke 2:7). The parallel from manger to tomb frames His earthly mission—from humble incarnation to sacrificial death.
with the spices• Nicodemus brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” (John 19:39). Such a lavish amount signals deep honor, more fitting for a king than a criminal (cf.Matthew 2:11 where myrrh is a royal gift). • Spices slowed decay and masked odor (John 11:39). Their use affirms Jesus’ real death while setting the stage for the empty tomb; when the women return with more spices (Mark 16:1), they find them unnecessary. • Myrrh had been offered to Jesus at His birth and on the cross (Mark 15:23). Its presence in burial bookends His life of sacrificial service (Ephesians 5:2). •Psalm 45:8 speaks of royal garments scented with myrrh and aloes, hinting at Messiah’s kingly status even in death.
according to the Jewish burial custom• Jewish custom involved washing, anointing, wrapping, and burial before sundown, especially prior to a Sabbath (Luke 23:54). Joseph and Nicodemus act quickly but thoroughly, keeping the fourth commandment. • Their obedience highlights that Jesus fulfilled every aspect of the Law, even in how His body was handled (Matthew 5:17). • A specific tomb, known to the authorities (Matthew 27:62-66), and Jewish burial practices eliminate theories of mistaken identity or location. The burial is as historically certain as the crucifixion (Acts 13:29;1 Corinthians 15:4). • Custom dictated family tombs, yet Jesus is placed in a new, unused one (John 19:41), preventing any confusion with other remains and fulfilling prophecy of a unique grave.
summaryJohn 19:40 shows devoted followers giving Jesus a reverent, law-honoring burial. Their actions confirm His literal death, fulfill prophecy, and prepare the evidential groundwork for His bodily resurrection. The clean linen, abundant spices, and careful observance of Jewish custom all underscore that the Messiah’s mission was completed without compromise and that His forthcoming victory over the grave would be unmistakable. (40) And wound it in linen clothes with the spices.--Comp. Notes on Luke 24:12. The same word does not occur, but the manner of the Jews to bury has been also illustrated in the Note on John 11:44. Verse 40. - They took therefore - i.e. Nicodemus and Joseph - the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen clothes with the spices, as is the manner of the Jews to bury. The synoptists specially mention a linen cloth ( σίνδων), which they wound around it. It would seem probable, from what is afterwards said, that John wished to discriminate and affirm both processes (see John 20:7). The Jews' method differed from the Egyptians' embalming process. The latter removed all the viscera; and, by long baking and other processes, rendered the remaining shell of the corpse incorruptible and almost imperishable. The Jews' process of sepulture differed from the Roman cremation, and is emphasized. Importance was attached to a splendid funeral ( Luke 16:22); and this costly interment was not without its deep significance.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.they tookἔλαβον(elabon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.bodyσῶμα(sōma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983:Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.of JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.wrappedἔδησαν(edēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1210:To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.itαὐτὸ(auto)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.in linen clothsὀθονίοις(othoniois)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3608:A linen bandage, a wrapping. Neuter of a presumed derivative of othone; a linen bandage.withμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.spices,ἀρωμάτων(arōmatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 759:Spice, perfume. From airo; an aromatic.according toκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.[the] JewishἸουδαίοις(Ioudaiois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.burialἐνταφιάζειν(entaphiazein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1779:To embalm, prepare for burial. From a compound of en and taphos; to inswathe with cerements for interment.custom.ἔθος(ethos)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1485:A custom, habit; an institute, rite. From etho; a usage.
Links John 19:40 NIVJohn 19:40 NLTJohn 19:40 ESVJohn 19:40 NASBJohn 19:40 KJV
John 19:40 BibleApps.comJohn 19:40 Biblia ParalelaJohn 19:40 Chinese BibleJohn 19:40 French BibleJohn 19:40 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 19:40 So they took Jesus' body and bound (Jhn Jo Jn) |
