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.

JOHN 19:39KJV
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John 19:39 (KJV)

What does John 19:39 mean?

John 19:39 describes how Nicodemus, who had earlier visited Jesus at night, came after Jesus’ death and brought a large amount of myrrh and aloes—about a hundred pounds—to help prepare Jesus’ body for burial. This act shows Nicodemus’ respect and care for Jesus, especially in a public and generous way.

In this scene, John is narrating the events following Jesus’ crucifixion. Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who once approached Jesus secretly, now steps forward openly to assist in Jesus’ burial. The mention of “about an hundred pound weight” highlights the extraordinary amount of burial spices, far more than usual, which underlines the honor being given to Jesus in death.

The Greek behind John 19:39

  • The word μίγμα (migma, “mixture”) refers to the combined use of myrrh and aloes, suggesting a careful and deliberate preparation of the burial spices, not just a simple application.
  • The phrase ὡς ἐκατὸν λίτρας (hōs hekaton litras, “about a hundred pounds”) uses the Greek λίτρα (litra), a Roman pound, to indicate a very large quantity, emphasizing the lavishness and significance of Nicodemus’ gesture.

Why John 19:39 matters

  • John 19:39 clarifies that Nicodemus, once a secret follower, now acts openly and courageously, which marks a significant change in his relationship to Jesus.
  • The unusually large amount of spices points to the high honor given to Jesus, treating Him as one would a king or someone of great importance.
  • This verse connects to the burial customs of the time and sets up the following verses, where Jesus’ burial fulfills Jewish traditions and prophecies.

Where else these words appear

“myrrh” Greek G4666 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

“pound” Greek G3046 · used in 2 verses

  • John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

“Nicodemus” Greek G3530 · used in 5 verses

  • John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
  • John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
  • John 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

“hundred” Greek G1540 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.