John 19:39
Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Nicodemus's immense offering of myrrh and aloes, a staggering amount for the time, wasn't just about preparing Jesus's body; it powerfully symbolizes his transformation from a secret, night-time seeker to someone boldly, publicly honoring Jesus even in death. This grand gesture, starkly contrasting his initial timidity, reveals how profound love can overcome past fears and timidity.
After Jesus' body was taken down from the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for permission to bury Him. This leads to Nicodemus, another secret follower who once met Jesus at night, now openly bringing an immense amount of burial spices, signifying a dramatic shift from his previous timidity and a testament to his deep, though late, devotion. Together, these two men, from the Jewish ruling council, provided a costly and respectful burial befitting the Son of God, fulfilling ancient prophecies about His death.
Nicodemus, who once met Jesus under the cloak of darkness, now boldly steps into the harsh light of day. What changed him?
Nicodemus's visit to Jesus at night in John 3 is one of the most famous clandestine meetings in Scripture. He was a religious leader, a Pharisee, likely concerned with reputation and the potential fallout of associating with Jesus. His earlier approach was cautious, even fearful.
But here, at Jesus's death, Nicodemus acts with astonishing public courage. He arrives alongside Joseph of Arimathea, another secret disciple. This dramatic shift shows that encountering Jesus, even in the shadows, can ignite a faith that eventually bursts into the open. His presence at the cross, offering a costly burial preparation, marks a profound transformation from hesitant inquirer to devoted follower.
Why did Nicodemus bring such a vast quantity of expensive spices? It's more than just a burial rite.
The sheer amount of myrrh and aloes—around seventy-five pounds—is staggering. These were precious, aromatic substances used for embalming, not just to prepare the body but also to honor the deceased with a fragrant resting place.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about John 19:39 is available in the Sola app.
The quantity signifies more than ritual necessity; it's an extravagant expression of love and devotion. After Jesus's public humiliation and agonizing death, Nicodemus and Joseph pour out their wealth and resources. This act shouts a message of Christ's immense worth, countering the shame of the cross with profound respect and honor. It's a tangible declaration that Jesus was no ordinary man, but someone deeply valued.
Understand the original words
smyrna · Greek Noun
A fragrant resinous substance used in antiquity for perfumery, embalming, and medicine. It signifies honor and respect, particularly in the context of preparing a body for burial.
aloē · Greek Noun
A bitter, aromatic plant extract used in antiquity, often in combination with other spices, for burial preparation and medicinal purposes. It reflects the costly care given to honor the deceased.
Nicodemus's dramatic shift from a secret, nocturnal visit to a public, generous act at Jesus's burial highlights the transformative power of faith, even in the face of immense pressure and potential danger from the religious establishment.
c. 30-33 AD
Nicodemus' Secret Visit
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, secretly visits Jesus at night to learn from him, showing initial hesitation and fear of openly associating with Jesus.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus openly teaches, performs miracles, and gains a following, but also faces increasing opposition and condemnation from the religious authorities.
c. 30-33 AD
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified under Roman authority, a public and shameful execution, with most of his followers scattered or in hiding.
c. 30-33 AD
The Sabbath Approaches
As the Sabbath day (which was also a high day, the start of the Feast of Unleavened Bread) approaches, the Jewish leaders request Pilate to hasten the deaths of the crucified men by breaking their legs, so the bodies would not remain on the crosses overnight.
c. 30-33 AD
Joseph of Arimathea's Request
Joseph of Arimathea, another secret disciple, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus' body and arranges for its burial in his own new tomb. This act of courage likely emboldens others.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Nicodemus Joins the Burial
Nicodemus, inspired by Joseph's actions and perhaps feeling remorse for his earlier timidity, publicly brings a large quantity of expensive spices for embalming, joining Joseph in honoring Jesus' body.
This passage highlights Nicodemus's initial, clandestine visit to Jesus, setting up a powerful contrast with his public act of devotion at the cross.
2 Chronicles 16:14This Old Testament account describes a lavish burial with sweet odors and spices, paralleling the extensive use of myrrh and aloes by Nicodemus and Joseph as a profound sign of respect.
Psalm 45:8This Messianic psalm beautifully describes the king's garments being perfumed with myrrh and aloes, foreshadowing the precious spices used in the burial of the ultimate King, Jesus.
Matthew 2:11This verse mentions myrrh as one of the gifts from the wise men to the infant Jesus, linking the beginning and end of His earthly life with this significant aromatic spice.
John 12:3Mary's extravagant anointing of Jesus with costly perfume, including spikenard (a type of myrrh), shows a similar spirit of lavish devotion that Nicodemus and Joseph now express through burial spices.
vincentJohn 19:39: "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."
Came Nicodemus - came by nightThe contrast is marked between his first and his second coming.Mixture (μίγμα)Only here in the New Testament. Some authorities read ἕλιγμα, a roll.PoundsRoman pounds, of nearly twelve ounces. The large quantity may be explained by the intention of covering the entire body with the preparation, and by the…
henryJohn 19:38-42: "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."
19:38-42 Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Christ in secret. Disciples should openly own themselves; yet some, who in lesser trials have been fearful, in greater have been courageous. When God has work to do, he can find out such as are proper to…
Nicodemus's immense offering of myrrh and aloes, a staggering amount for the time, wasn't just about preparing Jesus's body; it powerfully symbolizes his transformation from a secret, night-time seeker to someone boldly, publicly honoring Jesus even in death. This grand gesture, starkly contrasting his initial timidity, reveals how profound love can overcome past fears and timidity.
After Jesus' body was taken down from the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for permission to bury Him. This leads to Nicodemus, another secret follower who once met Jesus at night, now openly bringing an immense amount of burial spices, signifying a dramatic shift from his previous timidity and a testament to his deep, though late, devotion. Together, these two men, from the Jewish ruling council, provided a costly and respectful burial befitting the Son of God, fulfilling ancient prophecies about His death.
After Jesus' body was taken down from the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for permission to bury Him. This leads to Nicodemus, another secret follower who once met Jesus at night, now openly bringing an immense amount of burial spices, signifying a dramatic shift from his previous timidity and a testament to his deep, though late, devotion. Together, these two men, from the Jewish ruling council, provided a costly and respectful burial befitting the Son of God, fulfilling ancient prophecies about His death.
"Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight." — Nicodemus's immense offering of myrrh and aloes, a staggering amount for the time, wasn't just about preparing Jesus's body; it powerfully symbolizes his transformation from a secret, night-time seek…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
