King James Version

What Does John 19:42 Mean?

John 19:42 in the King James Version says “There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 19:42 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand (ἐκεῖ οὖν διὰ τὴν παρασκευὴν τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ὅτι ἐγγὺς ἦν τὸ μνημεῖον, ἔθηκαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ekei oun dia tēn paraskeuēn tōn Ioudaiōn, hoti engys ēn to mnēmeion, ethēkan ton Iēsoun)—Time pressure (παρασκευή, paraskeuē, 'Preparation day'—Friday before Sabbath) and proximity (ἐγγὺς ἦν, engys ēn, 'was near') determined the burial location. They had perhaps two hours before 6pm Sabbath. The verb ἔθηκαν (ethēkan, 'they placed, laid') suggests reverent positioning of Jesus's body in the tomb.

Divine providence arranged every detail: Joseph's unused tomb happened to be near Golgotha; the timing forced hasty but complete burial; witnesses observed the location (Luke 23:55). These 'coincidences' ensured irrefutable resurrection evidence—known tomb, verified death, sealed entrance, yet empty three days later. Nothing was left to chance; God orchestrated circumstances to maximize evidential clarity for the most important event in history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law required burial same day as death (Deuteronomy 21:23). Sabbath began at sundown Friday. This time constraint meant Joseph and Nicodemus worked quickly but thoroughly. The women observed burial location to return Sunday (Mark 16:1), providing multiple witnesses who could testify the same tomb later found empty was where Jesus was buried.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's providence in small details—tomb location, timing, witnesses—strengthen resurrection evidence?
  2. What does the haste required by Sabbath law teach about how God uses even legal restrictions to accomplish His purposes?
  3. How should believers trust that God orchestrates even seemingly minor details to accomplish His sovereign will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐκεῖ1 of 15

“There”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

οὖν2 of 15

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

διὰ3 of 15

“because”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν4 of 15
G3588

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

παρασκευὴν5 of 15

“preparation”

G3904

readiness

τῶν6 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων7 of 15

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὅτι8 of 15

“day for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγὺς9 of 15

“nigh at hand”

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

ἦν10 of 15

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὸ11 of 15
G3588

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

μνημεῖον12 of 15

“the sepulchre”

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

ἔθηκαν13 of 15

“laid they”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τὸν14 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦν15 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

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

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 19:42 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 19:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:14John 19:31John 19:41Isaiah 53:9Colossians 2:12Matthew 12:40

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