John 19:40
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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It's easy to overlook the specific detail that Jesus' body was "bound" rather than simply wrapped. This choice of wording suggests a more thorough and secure encasing, especially with the added spices, hinting at a careful, albeit hasty, preparation that treated his body with the honor of a proper burial, not just a quick disposal.
In the wake of Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for the body. Together with Nicodemus, another secret follower who brought a generous amount of spices, they carefully prepared Jesus for burial according to Jewish customs, swaddling his body in linen strips, with an emphasis on the urgency due to the approaching Sabbath. This act, performed swiftly in a new tomb belonging to Joseph, ensured Jesus' body was laid to rest before the holy day began.
When Jesus' followers were scattered in fear, two secret disciples stepped out into the light to honor His body. What does this say about faith under pressure?
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were disciples, but their faith had been kept hidden. The fear of the Jewish leaders likely kept them silent.
A Bold Act
Yet, in the face of Jesus' public crucifixion, they found courage. They approached Pilate, a powerful Roman official, to ask for Jesus' body. This was not a small thing; it showed a profound respect and belief in who Jesus was, even after such a devastating defeat.
Valuing the Person
Their actions demonstrate that even when faith is tested, and the world sees only shame, loyalty to Christ's person can inspire bold acts. They saw beyond the condemned criminal to the Son of God, and their actions reflect that high valuation.
Why did Jesus' body receive such specific treatment? Discover the cultural and spiritual significance of His burial.
The verse highlights that Jesus' body was wrapped in linen cloths with spices, 'as is the burial custom of the Jews.' This wasn't a generic burial; it followed a specific tradition.
More Than Just Wrapping
This custom differed significantly from, say, the elaborate embalming of the Egyptians. For the Jews, it involved wrapping the body in linen bandages, often with aromatic spices mixed in or sprinkled over. This was a way to honor the deceased and prepare them for the grave.
Preparing for Resurrection
This careful preparation, even in haste due to the approaching Sabbath, showed immense respect for the body. It also set the stage for the resurrection. The fact that Jesus was buried in a new tomb, prepared with spices, ensured there was no confusion about His identity when He rose again. It was a burial fit for a king, even in death, pointing forward to His glorious resurrection.
Understand the original words
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.
The custom described in John's Gospel reflects the specific Jewish burial practices of the time, distinct from Egyptian embalming or Roman cremation, highlighting the care taken by Jesus' followers and fulfilling prophetic indications of his burial.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army under Titus destroyed Jerusalem and its Second Temple, marking a devastating turning point for Jewish culture and religious practice.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities and, due to the approaching Sabbath, was quickly buried in a borrowed tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
c. 50-60 AD
Writing of the Gospels
The accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were written down by the Gospel authors, preserving the events for future generations.
c. 90-100 AD
Writing of John's Gospel
The Gospel of John, including the account of Jesus' burial, was written, likely towards the end of the 1st century AD, to affirm Jesus' divine identity.
This passage describes the embalming of Jacob with spices and linen, mirroring the care taken with Jesus' body and highlighting the ancient practice of preserving the deceased.
Isaiah 53:9This prophecy foretold that the Suffering Servant would be given a grave with the rich, which is fulfilled here with Joseph of Arimathea's new tomb, demonstrating the careful planning of God even in Jesus' death.
Luke 23:53This verse directly parallels John 19:40 by stating Jesus was laid in a tomb hewn out of rock, which had not yet been used, reinforcing the detail of Jesus' burial place and its significance.
1 Corinthians 15:4Paul mentions that Christ was buried according to the Scriptures, and this passage in John, detailing the burial custom, serves as a fulfillment of that prophetic and historical truth.
John 20:7This verse, describing the state of the graveclothes after the resurrection, directly relates to the linen cloths mentioned here in John 19:40, providing a powerful contrast between Jesus' burial and his triumphant exit.
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…
meyerJohn 19:40: "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."
John 19:40-42 . ʼΕν ὀθονίοις ] In bandages , so that He was enveloped therein, Plato, Legg . ix. p. 882 B; Pol . viii. p. 567 C; Jdt 16:8 . καθὼς ἔθος , κ . τ . λ .] The custom of the Egyptians (Herod. ii. 86 ff.), e.g ., was different; amongst them the practice was to take out the brain and the intestines, or at least to deposit the body in nitre for seventy days…
It's easy to overlook the specific detail that Jesus' body was "bound" rather than simply wrapped. This choice of wording suggests a more thorough and secure encasing, especially with the added spices, hinting at a careful, albeit hasty, preparation that treated his body with the honor of a proper burial, not just a quick disposal.
In the wake of Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for the body. Together with Nicodemus, another secret follower who brought a generous amount of spices, they carefully prepared Jesus for burial according to Jewish customs, swaddling his body in linen strips, with an emphasis on the urgency due to the approaching Sabbath. This act, performed swiftly in a new tomb belonging to Joseph, ensured Jesus' body was laid to rest before the holy day began.
In the wake of Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, bravely asked Pilate for the body. Together with Nicodemus, another secret follower who brought a generous amount of spices, they carefully prepared Jesus for burial according to Jewish customs, swaddling his body in linen strips, with an emphasis on the urgency due to the approaching Sabbath. This act, performed swiftly in a new tomb belonging to Joseph, ensured Jesus' body was laid to rest before the holy day began.
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"So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews." — It's easy to overlook the specific detail that Jesus' body was "bound" rather than simply wrapped. This choice of wording suggests a more thorough and secure encasing, especially with the added spice…
