John 19:39 - Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.
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What does "John 19:39" mean?
John 19:39 describes Nicodemus, a Pharisee who initially sought Jesus in secret (John 3:1-21), now openly identifying with Jesus's crucified body by providing a significant quantity of myrrh and aloes for his burial. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning and significance:
"Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night...": This connects this scene to the earlier encounter in John chapter 3. The phrase reminds the reader of Nicodemus' initial timidity and secrecy. His coming "by night" suggests fear of being associated with Jesus due to the opposition of the Jewish authorities.
"...also came...": This emphasizes the change in Nicodemus. He's no longer hiding; he's openly identifying with Jesus even after his crucifixion, a risky and bold act.
"...bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes...": Myrrh and aloes were expensive, aromatic spices used in Jewish burial rituals to anoint and preserve the body. They were likely ground into a powder and mixed with oil or another liquid.
"...about a hundred Roman pounds.": This is a massive amount of spices. A Roman pound (libra) was approximately 327 grams or 11.5 ounces. A hundred Roman pounds would be roughly 32.7 kilograms or 72 pounds. This suggests:
Wealth and Status: Nicodemus was a wealthy man to be able to afford such a large quantity of these expensive spices.
Respect and Honor: The extravagant amount shows the deep respect and honor Nicodemus now held for Jesus. It was a lavish display of love and devotion, more akin to the burial of royalty than a common criminal, which is how the Romans viewed Jesus.
Reversal of Expectations: This act contrasts sharply with the expectations surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Instead of being treated as a condemned criminal, Jesus receives an honorable, almost regal, burial due to the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
Overall Significance:
Nicodemus' Transformation: The verse highlights the transformation of Nicodemus from a cautious seeker of truth to an open disciple of Jesus. He moves from secret inquiry to public action.
Acknowledgment of Jesus' Kingship: The lavish burial, especially with the expensive spices, hints at the acknowledgement of Jesus' true identity, not as a criminal but as a king (though perhaps not yet fully understood in its spiritual sense).
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see the use of these specific spices as a subtle allusion to Old Testament prophecies or traditions associated with royalty or the Messiah.
Contrast with Abandonment: The verse stands in stark contrast to the desertion of many of Jesus' followers at his crucifixion. It shows that even amidst despair and defeat, some individuals remained loyal and honored Jesus even in death.
Emphasis on Jesus' Humanity: The attention to the burial rituals, including the use of spices, underscores the reality of Jesus' death and humanity. This is important in refuting later Docetic views that denied Jesus' physical body and suffering.
In conclusion, John 19:39 is a powerful verse illustrating Nicodemus's transformation, his commitment to Jesus, and the unexpected honor shown to Jesus even in his death. It underscores the paradox of Jesus' crucifixion: though executed as a criminal, he was treated with reverence and dignity by those who came to believe in him.
John 19:39 - Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.
What does "John 19:39" mean?
John 19:39 describes Nicodemus, a Pharisee who initially sought Jesus in secret (John 3:1-21), now openly identifying with Jesus's crucified body by providing a significant quantity of myrrh and aloes for his burial. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning and significance:
"Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night...": This connects this scene to the earlier encounter in John chapter 3. The phrase reminds the reader of Nicodemus' initial timidity and secrecy. His coming "by night" suggests fear of being associated with Jesus due to the opposition of the Jewish authorities.
"...also came...": This emphasizes the change in Nicodemus. He's no longer hiding; he's openly identifying with Jesus even after his crucifixion, a risky and bold act.
"...bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes...": Myrrh and aloes were expensive, aromatic spices used in Jewish burial rituals to anoint and preserve the body. They were likely ground into a powder and mixed with oil or another liquid.
"...about a hundred Roman pounds.": This is a massive amount of spices. A Roman pound (libra) was approximately 327 grams or 11.5 ounces. A hundred Roman pounds would be roughly 32.7 kilograms or 72 pounds. This suggests:
Wealth and Status: Nicodemus was a wealthy man to be able to afford such a large quantity of these expensive spices.
Respect and Honor: The extravagant amount shows the deep respect and honor Nicodemus now held for Jesus. It was a lavish display of love and devotion, more akin to the burial of royalty than a common criminal, which is how the Romans viewed Jesus.
Reversal of Expectations: This act contrasts sharply with the expectations surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Instead of being treated as a condemned criminal, Jesus receives an honorable, almost regal, burial due to the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
Overall Significance:
Nicodemus' Transformation: The verse highlights the transformation of Nicodemus from a cautious seeker of truth to an open disciple of Jesus. He moves from secret inquiry to public action.
Acknowledgment of Jesus' Kingship: The lavish burial, especially with the expensive spices, hints at the acknowledgement of Jesus' true identity, not as a criminal but as a king (though perhaps not yet fully understood in its spiritual sense).
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see the use of these specific spices as a subtle allusion to Old Testament prophecies or traditions associated with royalty or the Messiah.
Contrast with Abandonment: The verse stands in stark contrast to the desertion of many of Jesus' followers at his crucifixion. It shows that even amidst despair and defeat, some individuals remained loyal and honored Jesus even in death.
Emphasis on Jesus' Humanity: The attention to the burial rituals, including the use of spices, underscores the reality of Jesus' death and humanity. This is important in refuting later Docetic views that denied Jesus' physical body and suffering.
In conclusion, John 19:39 is a powerful verse illustrating Nicodemus's transformation, his commitment to Jesus, and the unexpected honor shown to Jesus even in his death. It underscores the paradox of Jesus' crucifixion: though executed as a criminal, he was treated with reverence and dignity by those who came to believe in him.