John 19:39-40
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)
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This isn't just a large quantity of spices; it's a powerful echo of Psalm 45:8, revealing Nicodemus's profound, almost royal, recognition of Jesus's identity even in death. His costly gift, brought after his initial secret visit by night, shows a dramatic transformation from timid inquiry to bold devotion, publicly honoring the King he once feared to acknowledge.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's secret request to Pilate for the body, this passage reveals a striking contrast in the actions of two of Jesus' more hesitant followers. Nicodemus, who previously came to Jesus under the cover of darkness, now publicly joins Joseph in providing an immense quantity of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, demonstrating a profound, albeit belated, devotion. This act of lavish respect, alongside the use of a new tomb, ensures Jesus' body is treated with honor, fulfilling prophetic indications of his burial.
Nicodemus, once a secret seeker in the dark, boldly steps into the harsh light of day. What could cause such a transformation?
The Gospel of John highlights Nicodemus’s initial visit to Jesus happening 'by night' (John 3:1-2). This wasn't just a detail; it symbolized his fear and hidden discipleship under the pressure of his religious peers. Now, at the foot of the cross, Nicodemus emerges from the shadows. His presence, alongside Joseph of Arimathea, showcases a profound shift. It suggests that witnessing Jesus's public suffering and death, especially after his own guarded interactions, can ignite a surprising courage. This isn't about Nicodemus suddenly becoming fearless, but about God's grace working to move him from timid secrecy to open, albeit somber, devotion.
Seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes – this isn't a small token. What does this extravagant offering reveal about Nicodemus's heart?
The sheer quantity of myrrh and aloes—around seventy-five pounds—is astonishing. This wasn't just about following burial customs; it was a monumental act of love and respect. Myrrh and aloes were precious aromatic substances used for embalming, meant to preserve the body and fill the tomb with fragrance.
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A Symbol of Value
This immense amount speaks volumes about Nicodemus's and Joseph's perception of Jesus. Despite Jesus's humiliating death, they saw His infinite worth. They were willing to invest a fortune, possibly their own wealth, in His honorable burial.
Haste and Reverence
This preparation was likely done hastily due to the approaching Sabbath. Yet, the scale of the gift suggests an intense desire to honor Jesus, perhaps even a form of atonement for their previous timidity. It shows that even when love arrives late, it can still be expressed with extraordinary generosity.
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 initial, fearful approach to Jesus contrasts sharply with his bold public act of preparing Jesus' body for burial, demonstrating a profound transformation spurred by love and reverence.
c. 30-33 AD
Nicodemus's first visit to Jesus
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, secretly visits Jesus at night to learn more about his teachings and signs.
c. 30-33 AD
The crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The timing is during Passover week.
The day of the crucifixion— this verse
Request to take down the bodies
Jewish leaders ask Pilate to hasten the death of the crucified men and remove their bodies before the Sabbath, which was an especially high holy day.
The day of the crucifixion
Joseph of Arimathea obtains Jesus' body
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus' body and receives permission to take it.
The day of the crucifixion
Nicodemus joins Joseph in burial preparations
Nicodemus arrives with a large quantity of myrrh and aloes, assisting Joseph in the respectful embalming and burial of Jesus' body.
c. 33 AD
The Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day, fulfilling prophecy and validating his claims.
This passage highlights Nicodemus's initial secretive approach to Jesus, coming by night, which starkly contrasts with his public and generous act of honoring Jesus' body after his death.
Psalm 45:8This verse describes the bridegroom's garments being 'perfumed with myrrh and aloes and cassia,' echoing the spices Nicodemus brought and linking them to a royal, divine figure, foreshadowing Jesus' kingship even in death.
2 Chronicles 16:14This verse describes a lavish funeral for King Asa, 'filling the bed with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices,' which provides a historical parallel for the extraordinary amount of spices used in honoring the deceased, demonstrating the significance of Nicodemus's offering.
Matthew 2:11This passage mentions the Magi bringing 'gold and frankincense and myrrh' as gifts to the infant Jesus, drawing a parallel between the early recognition of Jesus' significance by these Gentiles and Nicodemus's later, costly acknowledgment of Him.
John 7:50This verse mentions Nicodemus coming to Jesus previously, showing he was a man of influence ('one of them'), and John 19:39 reveals the dramatic shift in his boldness from his earlier cautious approach.
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…
This isn't just a large quantity of spices; it's a powerful echo of Psalm 45:8, revealing Nicodemus's profound, almost royal, recognition of Jesus's identity even in death. His costly gift, brought after his initial secret visit by night, shows a dramatic transformation from timid inquiry to bold devotion, publicly honoring the King he once feared to acknowledge.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's secret request to Pilate for the body, this passage reveals a striking contrast in the actions of two of Jesus' more hesitant followers. Nicodemus, who previously came to Jesus under the cover of darkness, now publicly joins Joseph in providing an immense quantity of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, demonstrating a profound, albeit belated, devotion. This act of lavish respect, alongside the use of a new tomb, ensures Jesus' body is treated with honor, fulfilling prophetic indications of his burial.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and Joseph of Arimathea's secret request to Pilate for the body, this passage reveals a striking contrast in the actions of two of Jesus' more hesitant followers. Nicodemus, who previously came to Jesus under the cover of darkness, now publicly joins Joseph in providing an immense quantity of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial, demonstrating a profound, albeit belated, devotion. This act of lavish respect, alongside the use of a new tomb, ensures Jesus' body is treated with honor, fulfilling prophetic indications of his burial.
"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…" — This isn't just a large quantity of spices; it's a powerful echo of Psalm 45:8, revealing Nicodemus's profound, almost royal, recognition of Jesus's identity even in death. His costly gift, brought a…
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