John 19:39
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
He was accompanied by Nicodemus
This phrase introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, who previously visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-21). The Greek word for "accompanied" (συνέρχομαι, synerchomai) implies a coming together or assembling, indicating Nicodemus's willingness to be publicly associated with Jesus, a significant step given his earlier secretive approach. This act of accompaniment signifies a transformation in Nicodemus's faith journey, moving from curiosity to commitment.

the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night
This reference to Nicodemus's earlier encounter with Jesus highlights his initial caution and curiosity. The phrase "at night" (νυκτός, nyktos) suggests secrecy and perhaps fear of being seen with Jesus. However, his presence at Jesus' burial demonstrates a shift from fear to boldness, reflecting a deeper understanding and acceptance of Jesus' teachings.

Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes
The act of bringing "myrrh and aloes" (σμύρνα καὶ ἀλόη, smyrna kai aloe) is significant. Myrrh and aloes were expensive spices used in Jewish burial customs to honor the deceased and mask the odor of decay. This gesture indicates Nicodemus's respect and reverence for Jesus, treating Him with the honor due to a king. The use of these spices also fulfills the prophetic symbolism of Jesus' death and burial, as myrrh was one of the gifts brought by the Magi at Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His future suffering and death.

about seventy-five pounds
The mention of "seventy-five pounds" (lit. "a hundred litras," λίτρας ἑκατόν, litras hekaton) emphasizes the lavishness and generosity of Nicodemus's offering. This large quantity of spices was typically reserved for royalty, underscoring the honor and dignity Nicodemus attributed to Jesus. Historically, this amount of spices would have been costly, indicating Nicodemus's willingness to sacrifice materially for the sake of honoring Jesus. This act of devotion reflects a profound transformation in Nicodemus's understanding of who Jesus is, recognizing Him as the King of Kings even in death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nicodemus
A Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He first visited Jesus at night, as recorded in John 3, seeking to understand His teachings. In John 19:39, Nicodemus demonstrates his respect and devotion to Jesus by bringing a significant amount of burial spices.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, whose crucifixion and subsequent burial are the focus of this passage. Jesus' death and burial fulfill Old Testament prophecies and set the stage for His resurrection.

3. Myrrh and Aloes
These are aromatic spices used in the burial process. Myrrh is a resin used for embalming, and aloes are fragrant wood. The large quantity brought by Nicodemus indicates a burial fit for a king, showing honor and reverence.

4. Burial of Jesus
This event marks the preparation of Jesus' body for burial following His crucifixion. It is a significant moment that fulfills Jewish burial customs and prophecies concerning the Messiah.

5. Joseph of Arimathea
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, he is a key figure in the burial of Jesus, providing the tomb and assisting Nicodemus. His involvement is crucial in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Jesus' burial.
Teaching Points
Demonstrating Faith through Actions
Nicodemus' actions show that true faith is not just about belief but also about taking steps that reflect that belief, even when it involves personal risk or sacrifice.

Honoring Jesus in Our Lives
Just as Nicodemus honored Jesus with a kingly burial, we are called to honor Jesus in our daily lives through our words, actions, and decisions.

The Cost of Discipleship
Nicodemus' willingness to associate with Jesus publicly, despite potential repercussions, challenges us to consider what we are willing to risk for our faith.

Transformation Over Time
Nicodemus' journey from a secret inquirer to a bold disciple illustrates how spiritual growth and transformation can occur over time as we encounter Jesus.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The burial of Jesus according to Jewish customs and prophecies reminds us of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nicodemus' journey from John 3 to John 19:39 inspire you in your own faith journey?

2. In what ways can you honor Jesus in your daily life, similar to how Nicodemus honored Him in His burial?

3. What are some potential costs of discipleship you might face, and how can you prepare to meet them with faith?

4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' burial strengthen your trust in the reliability of Scripture?

5. Reflect on a time when your faith led you to take a bold action. How did that experience impact your relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 3:1-21
This passage details Nicodemus' initial encounter with Jesus, where he learns about being "born again." It provides context for his later actions in John 19:39, showing his journey from curiosity to commitment.

Isaiah 53:9
This prophecy speaks of the Messiah being buried with the rich, which is fulfilled through the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

Mark 15:42-47
This passage provides additional details about the burial of Jesus, including the role of Joseph of Arimathea and the preparation of Jesus' body.
Extremes in Christ's HistoryBp. Ryle., R. Besser, D. D.John 19:39
The Courage-Inspiring Power of the CrossU. New.John 19:39
The Significance of the Final HonoursC. Stanford, D. D.John 19:39
A Secret DiscipleJ. L. Nye.John 19:38-42
A Threefold PowerD. Thomas, D. D.John 19:38-42
Christ's FuneralJ. Flavel.John 19:38-42
Joseph of ArimatheaM. Hutchison.John 19:38-42
Joseph of ArimatheaJ. Fawcett, M. A., W. H. Van Doren.John 19:38-42
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus At the Burial of JesusC. Stanford, D. D.John 19:38-42
Secret DiscipleshipF. Hastings.John 19:38-42
Secret DiscipleshipB. Thomas John 19:38-42
The Burial of ChristC. Bradley, M. A.John 19:38-42
The Burial of JesusT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 19:38-42
The Last Stage of the Savior's HumiliationJ.R. Thomson John 19:38-42
People
Cleopas, Cleophas, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Nicodemus, Pilate
Places
Arimathea, Gabbatha, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Nazareth, The Place of the Skull, The Stone Pavement
Topics
Aloes, Bearing, Bringing, Earlier, Eighty, Hundred, Mixed, Mixture, Myrrh, Nicodemus, Nicode'mus, Pound, Pounds, Roll, Roman, Seventy, Seventy-five, Visited, Weight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 19:39

     5615   weights

John 19:31-42

     7110   body of Christ

John 19:38-39

     8115   discipleship, nature of

John 19:38-40

     4466   herbs and spices
     7304   anointing
     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

John 19:38-42

     2530   Christ, death of
     5503   rich, the
     8421   equipping, physical

John 19:39-40

     4490   ointment
     4496   perfume
     5241   burial
     5303   embalming

Library
February 20 Morning
He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied.--ISA. 53:11. Jesus . . . said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.--He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.--To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 4 Morning
It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.--JOHN 19:30. Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.--I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.--We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering an offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 18 Morning
One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.--JOHN 19:34. Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you.--The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls.--It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Jesus said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.--By his own blood he entered in once into
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 17 Morning
The whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire.--LEV. 4:12. 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.--The bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Title on the Cross
'Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross.' --JOHN xix. 19. This title is recorded by all four Evangelists, in words varying in form but alike in substance. It strikes them all as significant that, meaning only to fling a jeer at his unruly subjects, Pilate should have written it, and proclaimed this Nazarene visionary to be He for whom Israel had longed through weary ages. John's account is the fullest, as indeed his narrative of all Pilate's shufflings is the most complete. He alone records
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Irrevocable Past
'What I have written I have written.'--JOHN xix. 22. This was a mere piece of obstinacy. Pilate knew that he had prostituted his office in condemning Jesus, and he revenged himself for weak compliance by ill-timed mulishness. A cool-headed governor would have humoured his difficult subjects in such a trifle, as a just one would have been inflexible in a matter of life and death. But this man's facile yielding and his stiff-necked obstinacy were both misplaced. 'So I will, so I command. Let my will
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work
'Jesus ... said, It is finished.'--JOHN xix. 30. 'He said unto me, It is done.'--REV. xxi. 6. One of these sayings was spoken from the Cross, the other from the Throne. The Speaker of both is the same. In the one, His voice 'then shook the earth,' as the rending rocks testified; in the other, His voice 'will shake not the earth only but also heaven'; for 'new heavens and a new earth' accompanied the proclamation. In the one, like some traveller ready to depart, who casts a final glance over his preparations,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ Our Passover
'These things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken.'--JOHN xix. 36. The Evangelist, in the words of this text, points to the great Feast of the Passover and to the Paschal Lamb, as finding their highest fulfilment, as he calls it, in Jesus Christ. For this purpose of bringing out the correspondence between the shadow and the substance he avails himself of a singular coincidence concerning a perfectly unimportant matter--viz., the abnormally rapid sinking
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Grave in a Garden
'In the garden a new tomb.'--JOHN xix. 41 (R.V.). This is possibly no more than a topographical note introduced merely for the sake of accuracy. But it is quite in John's manner to attach importance to these apparent trifles and to give no express statement that he is doing so. There are several other instances in the Gospel where similar details are given which appear to have had in his eyes a symbolical meaning--e.g. 'And it was night.' There may have been such a thought in his mind, for all men
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Jesus Sentenced
'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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion
'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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Joseph and Nicodemus
'And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; ... And there came also Nicodemus which at the first came to Jesus by night.'--JOHN xix. 38, 39. While Christ lived, these two men had been unfaithful to their convictions; but His death, which terrified and paralysed and scattered His avowed disciples, seems to have shamed and stung them into courage. They came now, when they must have known
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Fifth Word
"I thirst."--JOHN XIX. 28. This is the only utterance of our Blessed Lord in which He gave expression to His physical sufferings. Not least of these was that intolerable thirst which is the invariable result of all serious wounds, as those know well who have ever visited patients in a hospital after they have undergone a surgical operation. In this case it must have been aggravated beyond endurance by exposure to the burning heat of an Eastern sun. This word, then, spoken under such circumstances,
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Sixth Word
"It is accomplished."--ST. JOHN XIX. 30. 1. What had been accomplished? In the first place, that work which Christ had come into the world to do. All that work may be resumed in a single word, "sacrifice." The Son of God had come for this one purpose, to offer a sacrifice. Here is room for serious misunderstanding. The blood, the pain, the death, were not the sacrifice. Nothing visible was the sacrifice, least of all the physical surroundings of its culminating act. There is only one thing
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Third Word
"Lady, behold thy son." "Behold thy mother." ST. JOHN XIX. 26, 27. In this Word we see the Son of God revealed as human son, and human friend, all the more truly and genuinely human in both relations, because in each and every relation of life, Divine. 1. The first lesson in the Divine Life for us to learn here is the simple, almost vulgarly commonplace one, yet so greatly needing to be learnt, that "charity," which is but a synonym of the Divine Life, "begins at home." Home life is the real test
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Last Look at Life,
(Passion Sermon.) TEXT: JOHN xix. 30. "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished." THESE greatest and most glorious of the last words -*- of our Saviour on the cross come immediately after those which are apparently of the least significance and importance. The Lord said, "I thirst;" then the moistened sponge was handed to Him; and when He had received the soothing, though not pleasant draught, He cried, "It is finished." And we must not break the connection of these
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Shortest of the Seven Cries
As these seven sayings were so faithfully recorded, we do not wonder that they have frequently been the subject of devout meditation. Fathers and confessors, preachers and divines have delighted to dwell upon every syllable of these matchless cries. These solemn sentences have shone like the seven golden candlesticks or the seven stars of the Apocalypse, and have lighted multitudes of men to him who spake them. Thoughtful men have drawn a wealth of meaning from them, and in so doing have arranged
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 24: 1878

The Procession of Sorrow
I. After our Lord Jesus Christ had been formally condemned by Pilate, our text tells us he was led away. I invite your attention to CHRIST AS LED FORTH. Pilate, as we reminded you, scourged our Savior according to the common custom of Roman courts. The lictors executed their cruel office upon his shoulders with their rods and scourges, until the stripes had reached the full number. Jesus is formally condemned to crucifixion, but before he is led away he is given over to the Praetorian guards that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

Death of Jesus.
Although the real motive for the death of Jesus was entirely religious, his enemies had succeeded, in the judgment-hall, in representing him as guilty of treason against the state; they could not have obtained from the sceptical Pilate a condemnation simply on the ground of heterodoxy. Consistently with this idea, the priests demanded, through the people, the crucifixion of Jesus. This punishment was not Jewish in its origin; if the condemnation of Jesus had been purely Mosaic, he would have been
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Third Word from the Cross
In the life of our Lord from first to last there is a strange blending of the majestic and the lowly. When a beam of His divine dignity is allowed to shine out and dazzle us, it is never long before there ensues some incident which reminds us that He is bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh; and, contrariwise, when He does anything which impressively brings home to us His humanity, there always follows something to remind us that He was greater than the sons of men. Thus at His birth He was laid
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

Objections to Genuineness.
THE most plausible objection to the genuineness of these writings is thus expressed by Dupin: "Eusebius and Jerome wrote an accurate catalogue of each author known to them--with a few obscure exceptions,--and yet never mention the writings of the Areopagite." Great is the rejoicing in the House of the Anti-Areopagites over this PROOF;--but what are the facts? Eusebius acknowledges that innumerable works have not come to him--Jerome disclaims either to know or to give an accurate catalogue either
Dionysius—LETTERS OF DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE

And at his Crucifixion, when He Asked a Drink...
And at His crucifixion, when He asked a drink, they gave Him to drink vinegar mingled with gall. (Cf. Joh. xix. 29) And this was declared through David. They gave gall to my meat, and in any thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. [262]
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Inward Confirmation of the Veracity of the Scriptures
We are living in a day when confidence is lacking; when skepticism and agnosticism are becoming more and more prevalent; and when doubt and uncertainty are made the badges of culture and wisdom. Everywhere men are demanding proof. Hypotheses and speculations fail to satisfy: the heart cannot rest content until it is able to say, "I know." The demand of the human mind is for definite knowledge and positive assurance. And God has condescended to meet this need. One thing which distinguishes Christianity
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Links
John 19:39 NIV
John 19:39 NLT
John 19:39 ESV
John 19:39 NASB
John 19:39 KJV

John 19:39 Commentaries

Bible Hub
John 19:38
Top of Page
Top of Page