New Testament
John 19:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about a hundred pounds.
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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.
What John 19:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Nicodemus, a Pharisee who previously visited Jesus at night to seek understanding, returning to honor Jesus after His crucifixion. He brings a significant amount of myrrh and aloes, which were used in burial practices, indicating his respect and devotion. The weight of the spices, about a hundred pounds, suggests a lavish and honorable preparation for Jesus' body, reflecting the cultural customs of the time. Nicodemus' actions demonstrate a transformation in his faith, moving from a secretive admirer to a public supporter of Jesus. This moment highlights the importance of acknowledging one's beliefs and standing up for them, even in difficult circumstances. Nicodemus' willingness to associate with Jesus after His death shows courage and a deep commitment to his newfound faith, serving as an example for believers today to openly express their faith and support for Christ, regardless of societal pressures.
How to apply John 19:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to openly express our faith and support for Jesus, even in challenging situations. Like Nicodemus, we should be willing to stand up for our beliefs and honor Christ in our actions, demonstrating our commitment to Him.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Burial (John 19:38–42)
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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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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
Who was Nicodemus in John 19:39?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council who initially visited Jesus at night to seek understanding about His teachings. His nighttime visit indicated a level of caution due to his position, but by John 19:39, he openly comes forward to honor Jesus after His crucifixion, showcasing a significant transformation in his faith.
What does the mixture of myrrh and aloes symbolize?
The mixture of myrrh and aloes that Nicodemus brought, weighing about a hundred pounds, symbolizes respect and devotion. These substances were commonly used in burial practices during that time, indicating that Nicodemus was honoring Jesus' body and acknowledging His significance. This act reflects the cultural customs of honoring the deceased and highlights Nicodemus' commitment to Jesus.
Why did Nicodemus bring such a large amount of spices?
Nicodemus brought about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes, which was an extravagant amount for a burial. This lavish offering signifies his deep respect for Jesus and his desire to honor Him properly. It also illustrates a shift from his previous secretive admiration to a bold public declaration of his faith and support for Jesus, even after His death.
What can we learn from Nicodemus' actions in this verse?
Nicodemus' actions teach us the importance of openly expressing our faith and standing up for our beliefs, especially in challenging situations. His willingness to associate with Jesus after His crucifixion demonstrates courage and a commitment to his newfound faith. This serves as an example for believers today to honor Christ in their actions and to be public supporters of their faith.
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