King James Version

What Does John 19:40 Mean?

John 19:40 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 19:40 · KJV

Context

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.

42

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

Read John 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (ἔλαβον οὖν τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ καὶ ἔδησαν αὐτὸ ὀθονίοις μετὰ τῶν ἀρωμάτων, καθὼς ἔθος ἐστὶν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις ἐνταφιάζειν, elabon oun to sōma tou Iēsou kai edēsan auto othoniois meta tōn arōmatōn, kathōs ethos estin tois Ioudaiois entaphiazein)—They wrapped Jesus's body in ὀθόνια (othonia, 'linen strips/cloths') μετὰ τῶν ἀρωμάτων (meta tōn arōmatōn, 'with the spices'), following Jewish burial customs. The verb ἔδησαν (edēsan, 'bound, wrapped') indicates tight binding. This detail becomes significant in resurrection accounts: the grave clothes remained intact yet empty (John 20:6-7), indicating Jesus passed through them rather than unwrapping.

This proper burial fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) and validated Jesus's true death against later claims He merely swooned. The care taken by Joseph and Nicodemus—wealthy men risking defilement before Passover—demonstrates costly love. Their 'burial rites' prepared the tomb Jesus would vacate three days later, making the resurrection undeniable: sealed tomb, wrapped body, Roman guard, yet empty grave.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish burial required washing the body, anointing with spices, and wrapping in linen strips—process taking several hours. They had to complete this before 6pm when Sabbath began. The haste partly explains the women's intention to return Sunday with additional spices (Mark 16:1), though they found the tomb empty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed burial account validate Jesus's real death against swoon theories?
  2. What does the care and expense of Jesus's burial by Joseph and Nicodemus teach about properly honoring Christ?
  3. How do the burial details—wrapped body in sealed tomb—make the resurrection evidence more compelling?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἔλαβον1 of 19

“took they”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

οὖν2 of 19

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

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

σῶμα4 of 19

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τοῦ5 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ6 of 19

“of Jesus”

G2424

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

καὶ7 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἔδησαν8 of 19

“wound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸ9 of 19

“it”

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

ὀθονίοις10 of 19

“in linen clothes”

G3608

a linen bandage

μετὰ11 of 19

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν12 of 19
G3588

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

ἀρωμάτων13 of 19

“the spices”

G759

an aromatic

καθὼς14 of 19

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἔθος15 of 19

“the manner”

G1485

a usage (prescribed by habit or law)

ἐστὶν16 of 19

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τοῖς17 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίοις18 of 19

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐνταφιάζειν19 of 19

“to bury”

G1779

to inswathe with cerements for interment

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 19:40 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 19:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:44John 20:5-7Acts 5:6Matthew 26:12Luke 24:12

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