New Testament
John 19:31
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Since it was the day of preparation, the Jews asked Pilate to have the men's legs broken and the bodies taken down, so that the bodies would not remain on the crosses during the Sabbath — for that Sabbath was a high day.
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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.
What John 19:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the urgency of the Jewish leaders as they approach Pilate. It was the day of preparation for the Sabbath, which was particularly significant because it was a high holy day. To avoid breaking the Sabbath laws, they requested that the legs of the crucified men be broken. This would hasten their deaths, allowing their bodies to be taken down from the crosses before the Sabbath began. The Jewish law prohibited any work on the Sabbath, and leaving bodies on the crosses would have been seen as a violation of this law. This moment highlights the tension between the Jewish leaders' adherence to the law and the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which they would go to maintain their religious observances.
How to apply John 19:31 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting sacred times and traditions. It encourages us to reflect on how we prioritize our spiritual practices and the significance of our commitments. We can learn to balance our responsibilities with our faith, ensuring that we honor what is sacred in our lives.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (John 19:28–37)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 19:31 say about the Sabbath?
John 19:31 highlights the urgency of the Jewish leaders to ensure that the bodies of the crucified men were taken down before the Sabbath began. It emphasizes that this Sabbath was a high day, meaning it was particularly significant in the Jewish calendar. The request to break the legs of the crucified men was made to prevent any violation of the Sabbath laws, which prohibited work and the presence of dead bodies.
Why did the Jews ask Pilate to break the legs of the crucified men?
The Jews asked Pilate to break the legs of the crucified men to hasten their deaths, allowing their bodies to be removed from the crosses before the Sabbath started. This was crucial because leaving bodies on the crosses would violate Jewish law regarding the Sabbath, which required respect for the dead and prohibited work on holy days.
What is meant by 'the day of preparation' in John 19:31?
The 'day of preparation' refers to the day before the Sabbath, when the Jewish people would prepare for the holy day by completing necessary tasks. In this context, it indicates the urgency to ensure that the bodies of the crucified men were taken down before the Sabbath began, reflecting the importance of adhering to religious customs and laws.
How does John 19:31 reflect the tension between Jewish law and the crucifixion of Jesus?
John 19:31 illustrates the tension between the Jewish leaders' strict adherence to the law and the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. While they sought to uphold the Sabbath laws by ensuring the bodies were removed, they were also complicit in the execution of Jesus, highlighting a conflict between their religious obligations and the unfolding of significant events in the New Testament.
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