There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

JOHN 19:42KJV
Know the Bible

John 19:42 (KJV)

What does John 19:42 mean?

John 19:42 explains that Jesus was laid in a nearby tomb because it was the Jewish day of preparation, and the tomb was close at hand. The urgency of the burial was due to the approaching Sabbath, when work such as burial would not be permitted according to Jewish customs.

John is describing the actions taken by those who buried Jesus after his crucifixion. The "preparation day" refers to the day before the Sabbath, when Jewish people made ready for the day of rest. The mention of the tomb being "nigh at hand" highlights the practical need to bury Jesus quickly and nearby, rather than transporting his body farther away.

The Greek behind John 19:42

  • "preparation" (παρασκευὴ, paraskeuē): This word refers specifically to the day before the Sabbath, when preparations were made. It helps clarify why there was a rush to complete the burial before sundown.
  • "was nigh at hand" (ἐγγὺς, engys): The Greek phrase carries the sense of something being very close or near. This emphasizes the practical reason for choosing this particular tomb—it was nearby and available, fitting the time constraints.

Why John 19:42 matters

  • John 19:42 clarifies that the choice of Jesus’ burial place was driven by urgency and proximity, not by prior arrangement or special significance of the tomb itself.
  • The verse connects the burial of Jesus to Jewish customs, showing respect for Sabbath laws and the importance of preparation day in first-century Jewish life.
  • This detail sets up the narrative for the resurrection, as the tomb’s location being "nigh at hand" makes it accessible for the women and disciples who visit it soon after.

Where else these words appear

“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!

“hand” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“sepulchre” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

“they” Greek G5087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.