Nicodemus's extravagant gift of spices, far exceeding what was needed for mere wrapping, powerfully symbolizes his profound transformation from timid seeker to devoted follower, mirroring the immense love that now compelled him. This lavish preparation, so different from his secret visit by night, highlights how encountering the suffering Christ can ignite a bold, sacrificial love that overcomes past fears.
Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's request to Pilate for the body, this passage details the somber task of preparing Jesus for burial. Nicodemus, a former secret follower who once approached Jesus by night, now boldly joins Joseph in this public act of devotion, bringing a lavish amount of spices for embalming. This marks a significant transformation from his earlier timidity to courageous conviction in the face of Jesus' death.
Nicodemus, who once sought Jesus in the dark, now steps boldly into the harsh light of day. What changed him?
The Gospel of John carefully contrasts Nicodemus's first encounter with Jesus – a secret, nighttime visit (John 3:1-21) – with this public act of devotion. He was a 'ruler of the Jews' and a 'teacher in Israel,' yet he feared the religious authorities. His initial approach was cautious, driven by awe but also by apprehension.
Now, after Jesus's crucifixion, something profound has shifted. Perhaps Joseph of Arimathea's courageous request to Pilate inspired him, or maybe the events of the cross itself broke through his reservations. Whatever the catalyst, Nicodemus moves from the shadows of fear to the forefront of action. His willingness to openly associate with a crucified criminal, bringing such extravagant gifts, marks a significant transformation.
Seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes – this isn't just a burial preparation; it's a profound statement of love and reverence.
The sheer quantity of myrrh and aloes (around seventy-five pounds, a substantial Roman weight) is astonishing. This wasn't a typical funeral arrangement; it was an act of extraordinary honor and devotion.
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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.
othonion · Greek Noun
Fine fabric made from the flax plant. In biblical burial, it was used to wrap the body of the deceased as a mark of respect and cultural observance.
arōma · Greek Noun
Aromatic vegetable substances used in the ancient world for cooking, medicine, and particularly for honoring the dead. The use of large amounts signifies great reverence and wealth offered to the person being buried.
Nicodemus's massive gift of spices at Jesus' burial marks a stark contrast to his initial fearful, nighttime visit, demonstrating the profound transformation faith can bring, especially in the face of persecution and death.
c. 30-33 AD
Nicodemus' First Secret Visit to Jesus
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, secretly visits Jesus at night, seeking understanding about Jesus' teachings and authority.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' public ministry gains followers but also increases opposition from religious leaders who see him as a threat. Many, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, follow him cautiously.
Passover Week, c. 30-33 AD
The High Sabbath Day
The Sabbath following Jesus' crucifixion coincides with the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a major festival, making the observance of Sabbath laws particularly strict.
The Day of Jesus' Crucifixion, c. 30-33 AD
Joseph of Arimathea Requests Jesus' Body
Joseph, a wealthy secret disciple, bravely approaches Pilate to request Jesus' body before the Sabbath begins, ensuring a proper burial rather than a criminal's fate.
The Day of Jesus' Crucifixion, c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Nicodemus Joins in Burial Preparations
Nicodemus arrives with a large quantity of myrrh and aloes, joining Joseph in preparing Jesus' body for burial with costly spices and linens, showing his public devotion.
This passage highlights Nicodemus's initial secretive approach to Jesus, contrasting sharply with his open and generous act of preparing Jesus' body for burial.
Psalm 45:8This Messianic psalm speaks of the king's garments being 'perfumed with myrrh and aloes,' foreshadowing the precious aromatic substances used in Christ's burial and connecting the Savior to royal burial rites.
2 Chronicles 16:14This Old Testament account describes King Asa's burial with a large quantity of sweet spices, paralleling the lavish use of aromatics by Nicodemus and Joseph for Jesus, indicating great honor and respect.
Matthew 2:11The wise men brought myrrh as one of their gifts to the infant Jesus, and Nicodemus bringing myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial signifies the continuation of precious offerings from the beginning to the end of His earthly life.
Isaiah 53:9This prophecy states the suffering servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked—but with the rich at his death,' which is fulfilled by the burial in a rich man's tomb, prepared with costly spices, signifying God's ultimate provision even in death.
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 extravagant gift of spices, far exceeding what was needed for mere wrapping, powerfully symbolizes his profound transformation from timid seeker to devoted follower, mirroring the immense love that now compelled him. This lavish preparation, so different from his secret visit by night, highlights how encountering the suffering Christ can ignite a bold, sacrificial love that overcomes past fears.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's request to Pilate for the body, this passage details the somber task of preparing Jesus for burial. Nicodemus, a former secret follower who once approached Jesus by night, now boldly joins Joseph in this public act of devotion, bringing a lavish amount of spices for embalming. This marks a significant transformation from his earlier timidity to courageous conviction in the face of Jesus' death.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's request to Pilate for the body, this passage details the somber task of preparing Jesus for burial. Nicodemus, a former secret follower who once approached Jesus by night, now boldly joins Joseph in this public act of devotion, bringing a lavish amount of spices for embalming. This marks a significant transformation from his earlier timidity to courageous conviction in the face of Jesus' 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. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom o…" — Nicodemus's extravagant gift of spices, far exceeding what was needed for mere wrapping, powerfully symbolizes his profound transformation from timid seeker to devoted follower, mirroring the immense…
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Last reviewed October 2026
