King James Version

What Does John 19:39 Mean?

John 19:39 in the King James Version says “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, abou...” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 19:39 · KJV

Context

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.

39

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.

40

Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

41

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

Read John 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (ἦλθεν δὲ καὶ Νικόδημος, ὁ ἐλθὼν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτὸς τὸ πρῶτον, φέρων μίγμα σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν, ēlthen de kai Nikodēmos, ho elthōn pros auton nyktos to prōton, pherōn migma smyrnēs kai aloēs hōs litras hekaton)—Nicodemus, introduced in John 3 as the nighttime visitor, now comes publicly with extravagant burial spices: σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης (smyrnēs kai aloēs, 'myrrh and aloes') weighing ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν (hōs litras hekaton, 'about 100 pounds/75 lbs modern weight'). This enormous quantity—appropriate for kings (2 Chronicles 16:14)—demonstrates both wealth and devotion.

Nicodemus's progression tracks spiritual growth: first, fearful nighttime inquiry (John 3:1-21); second, tepid defense of Jesus (John 7:50-51); finally, public identification with the crucified Christ. The 'hundred pounds' of spices is lavish—far exceeding normal burial practices. This act of worship echoes Mary's anointing (John 12:3): when you love Jesus, no gift is excessive. Both Joseph and Nicodemus gave treasures to honor the One religious leaders dishonored.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman custom was cremation; Jewish custom required quick burial with spices to offset decomposition in warm climate. Nicodemus's quantity suggested expectation of extended burial. Myrrh and aloes were aromatic resins mixed and applied between linen wrappings. The expense indicated royal burial—ironically for the 'King of the Jews' mocked hours earlier.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nicodemus's spiritual journey from secret seeker to public confessor encourage gradual growth in faith?
  2. What does the extravagant quantity of burial spices teach about appropriate worship—is anything 'too much' for Jesus?
  3. How do Joseph and Nicodemus's actions demonstrate that true faith eventually requires public identification with Christ regardless of cost?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐλθὼν1 of 20

“came”

G2064

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

δὲ2 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 20

“also”

G2532

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

Νικόδημος4 of 20

“Nicodemus”

G3530

victorious among his people; nicodemus, an israelite

τὸ5 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἐλθὼν6 of 20

“came”

G2064

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

πρὸς7 of 20

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸ8 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν9 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

νυκτὸς10 of 20

“by night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

τὸ11 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

πρῶτον12 of 20
G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

φέρων13 of 20

“and brought”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

μίγμα14 of 20

“a mixture”

G3395

a compound

σμύρνης15 of 20

“of myrrh”

G4666

myrrh

καὶ16 of 20

“also”

G2532

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

ἀλόης17 of 20

“aloes”

G250

aloes (the gum)

ὡσεὶ18 of 20

“about”

G5616

as if

λίτρας19 of 20

“pound”

G3046

a pound in weight

ἑκατόν20 of 20

“an hundred”

G1540

a hundred

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 19:39 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 19:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:50-52John 3:1-21Song of Solomon 4:14Matthew 12:20John 12:72 Chronicles 16:14

Test Your Knowledge

John 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJohn Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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