King James Version

What Does John 19:36 Mean?

John 19:36 in the King James Version says “For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.”

John 19:36 · KJV

Context

34

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

35

And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

37

And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

38

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

Read John 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken (ἐγένετο γὰρ ταῦτα ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ· Ὀστοῦν οὐ συντριβήσεται αὐτοῦ, egeneto gar tauta hina hē graphē plērōthē· Ostoun ou syntribēsetai autou)—John identifies prophecy fulfillment. The phrase ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ (hina hē graphē plērōthē, 'that the Scripture might be fulfilled') indicates divine design, not coincidence. A bone of him shall not be broken (Ὀστοῦν οὐ συντριβήσεται, Ostoun ou syntribēsetai) quotes Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20. The Passover lamb regulations required bones remain intact; David's psalm about God's protection found ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

This typological fulfillment demonstrates Scripture's unity and divine inspiration. The Passover lamb pointed forward to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7); what seemed mere ritual detail revealed Messianic prophecy. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice delivers from death's angel, whose blood marks God's people for salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Passover lambs were slaughtered on 14 Nisan (Exodus 12:6), eaten without broken bones. Jesus died as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed in the temple—the ultimate Lamb replacing all others. The coincidence of timing, prophecy, and fulfillment demonstrates divine orchestration spanning 1500 years from Moses to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does typological fulfillment—Passover lamb to Christ—demonstrate the Bible's divine inspiration and unity?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus is our Passover Lamb—how does His sacrifice parallel and fulfill Exodus 12?
  3. How should Christians read Old Testament Law and ritual in light of Christ's fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐγένετο1 of 11

“were done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

γὰρ2 of 11

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ταῦτα3 of 11

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἵνα4 of 11

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡ5 of 11
G3588

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

γραφὴ6 of 11

“the scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

πληρωθῇ7 of 11

“should be fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

Ὀστοῦν8 of 11

“A bone”

G3747

a bone

οὐ9 of 11

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συντριβήσεται10 of 11

“be broken”

G4937

to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ11 of 11

“of 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 19:36 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 19:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 34:20Numbers 9:12Exodus 12:46Psalms 22:14John 19:28Matthew 1:22

Test Your Knowledge

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