King James Version

What Does John 19:32 Mean?

John 19:32 in the King James Version says “Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.”

John 19:32 · KJV

Context

30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

31

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.

32

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

33

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

34

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him (ἦλθον οὖν οἱ στρατιῶται καὶ τοῦ μὲν πρώτου κατέαξαν τὰ σκέλη καὶ τοῦ ἄλλου τοῦ συσταυρωθέντος αὐτῷ, ēlthon oun hoi stratiōtai kai tou men prōtou kateaxan ta skelē kai tou allou tou systaurōthentos autō)—The Roman soldiers systematically broke the legs (κατέαξαν τὰ σκέλη, kateaxan ta skelē) of both thieves crucified with Jesus. The verb κατάγνυμι (katagnymi) means to 'break in pieces, shatter.' This brutal act fulfilled its purpose: hastening death through respiratory failure when victims could no longer lift themselves to exhale.

These two criminals—one who repented (Luke 23:40-43), one who blasphemed (Luke 23:39)—represent humanity's response to Christ. Both witnessed His innocence, heard His prayer for His executioners, experienced His presence in suffering. One found paradise; one died in his sins. Proximity to Jesus doesn't save; faith does.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Luke records the 'penitent thief' dialogue (Luke 23:39-43), showing one thief's deathbed conversion. Crucifixion victims typically survived 24-72 hours; breaking legs reduced this to minutes. The soldiers' efficiency in breaking both thieves' legs highlights the exception made for Jesus (verse 33).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the two thieves illustrate the two possible responses to Christ—rejection or repentance?
  2. What does the penitent thief's immediate salvation teach about grace, faith, and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice?
  3. Why is proximity to Christ or Christian environments insufficient for salvation without personal faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἦλθον1 of 17

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οὖν2 of 17

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τοῦ3 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στρατιῶται4 of 17

“the soldiers”

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

καὶ5 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ6 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν7 of 17

“of the”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

πρώτου8 of 17

“first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

κατέαξαν9 of 17

“brake”

G2608

to rend in pieces, i.e., crack apart

τοῦ10 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκέλη11 of 17

“the legs”

G4628

through the idea of leanness); the leg (as lank)

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ13 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄλλου14 of 17

“of the other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

τοῦ15 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συσταυρωθέντος16 of 17

“was crucified with”

G4957

to impale in company with (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ·17 of 17

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 19:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 19:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:18Luke 23:39-43

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