John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

When {G3753} Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767} had received {G2983} the vinegar {G3690}, he said {G2036}, It is finished {G5055}: and {G2532} he bowed {G2827} his head {G2776}, and gave up {G3860} the ghost {G4151}.

After Yeshua had taken the wine, he said, “It is accomplished!” And, letting his head droop, he delivered up his spirit.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

Commentary on John 19:30 KJV:

Context

This verse occurs during the final moments of Jesus' crucifixion. Having endured hours of suffering on the cross, including the mocking of the crowd and the soldiers, and having refused the initial pain-dulling drink, Jesus is offered sour wine (vinegar) on a hyssop branch. This act is specifically noted by John as the fulfillment of scripture (John 19:28-29, referencing prophecies like Psalm 69:21). Immediately after receiving it, Jesus utters his powerful final declaration.

Key Themes

  • Completion of Redemption: Jesus' declaration "It is finished" signifies the successful completion of the work the Father sent him to do – the work of atonement and salvation for humanity. It is not a cry of defeat, but of triumph.
  • Fulfillment of Scripture: The entire sequence leading up to this moment, including the offering of vinegar, is presented as the culmination of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering.
  • Victory Over Sin and Death: By completing the atoning sacrifice, Jesus disarmed the powers of sin and death. His death is the means by which believers receive forgiveness and eternal life.
  • Voluntary Sacrifice: The phrase "gave up the ghost" highlights the voluntary nature of Jesus' death. Unlike others who were executed, Jesus chose the moment to surrender his spirit, demonstrating his authority even in death (see John 10:18).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "It is finished" translates the single Greek word Tetelestai. This powerful word carries significant meaning:

  • It was used in ancient times as a receipt or declaration meaning "paid in full." This suggests that the debt for human sin has been completely satisfied by Christ's sacrifice.
  • It was also used in the context of completing a task or fulfilling a requirement perfectly. Jesus' work of salvation is not incomplete or needing additions; it is fully accomplished.

This single word encapsulates the finality and sufficiency of Christ's atoning work.

Reflection

Jesus' declaration "It is finished" is the central cry of the gospel. It means that the barrier between God and humanity, caused by sin, has been removed through the completed and perfect sacrifice for sins. We no longer need to strive to earn God's favor or add to Christ's work; salvation is a gift received by grace through faith. His voluntary act of surrendering his life, as seen when he bowed his head and gave up the ghost, underscores the depth of his love and obedience to the Father's plan. This finished work provides the basis for our hope, forgiveness, and access to God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 17:4

    I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

  • Philippians 2:8

    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Colossians 2:14

    Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

  • Colossians 2:17

    Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

  • John 10:11

    I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

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