The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day,(for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

JOHN 19:31KJV
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John 19:31 (KJV)

What does John 19:31 mean?

John 19:31 describes how the Jewish leaders, because it was the day of preparation before a special Sabbath, asked the Roman governor Pilate to have the legs of those crucified broken so their bodies could be removed from the crosses before the Sabbath began. This request was made to avoid leaving the bodies exposed during an especially important holy day.

The verse takes place just after Jesus has been crucified, with Jewish leaders speaking to Pilate, the Roman authority. The "preparation" refers to the day before the Sabbath, when Jews made ready for the day of rest, and this particular Sabbath was considered a "high day," meaning it was especially significant, likely because it coincided with Passover. The act of breaking the legs was a way to hasten death, so the bodies could be taken down in keeping with Jewish law and customs about not leaving bodies hanging overnight, especially on a sacred day.

The Greek behind John 19:31

  • ἡ παρασκευή (hē paraskeuē, G3904): This word means "preparation," and it refers to the day before the Sabbath when work was done in advance so no work would be needed on the Sabbath itself. Knowing this helps clarify why the timing was urgent for the Jewish leaders.
  • σάββατον (sabbaton, G4521): This is the word for "Sabbath," the weekly day of rest. The verse notes that this particular Sabbath was a "high" (μεγάλη, megalē, G3173) day, meaning it was not just any Sabbath but one of special importance, likely tied to a festival.
  • ἵνα (hina, G2443): This word means "so that" or "in order that," showing the purpose of the request—to ensure the bodies would not remain on the crosses during the Sabbath.

Why John 19:31 matters

  • John 19:31 explains why the crucifixion events were hurried and why the bodies, including Jesus', were taken down so quickly, which is important for understanding the timeline of Jesus' burial.
  • The verse highlights the concern of the Jewish leaders for ritual purity and adherence to the law, even while the crucifixion was taking place, revealing the tension between their religious observance and the events unfolding.
  • This detail connects to Old Testament laws (such as Deuteronomy 21:22-23) about not leaving executed bodies hanging overnight, showing how these customs influenced the actions surrounding Jesus' death.

Where else these words appear

“legs” Greek G4628 · used in 3 verses

  • John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
  • John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

“broken” Greek G2608 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
  • John 19:32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
  • John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

“preparation” Greek G3904 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
  • John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

“because” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;