John 19:36

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

For {G1063} these things {G5023} were done {G1096}, that {G2443} the scripture {G1124} should be fulfilled {G4137}, A bone {G3747} of him {G846} shall {G4937} not {G3756} be broken {G4937}.

For these things happened in order to fulfill this passage of the Tanakh:

“Not one of his bones will be broken.”

Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.”

For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

Context

John 19:36 describes a specific event during Jesus' crucifixion. Roman soldiers typically broke the legs of crucified individuals (a practice called crurifragium) to hasten death, ensuring they would not survive the Sabbath. However, when the soldiers came to Jesus, they found He was already dead and therefore did not break His legs. This seemingly minor detail is highlighted by the apostle John as crucial, signifying the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The primary message of this verse is the meticulous fulfillment of God's Word. John explicitly states that "these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled." The prophecy, "A bone of him shall not be broken," primarily echoes Psalm 34:20, which states, "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." This demonstrates God's sovereign control over even the smallest details of Jesus' life and death.
  • Jesus as the True Passover Lamb: This verse also strongly alludes to the regulations for the Passover lamb in the Old Testament. In Exodus 12:46, it is commanded concerning the Passover lamb, "neither shall ye break a bone thereof." By not having His bones broken, Jesus is profoundly identified as the perfect, unblemished Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice atones for sin.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The fact that Jesus' death occurred at the precise moment to prevent His legs from being broken underscores God's ultimate control. Even amidst human cruelty and political maneuvering, God's divine plan was being perfectly executed.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fulfilled" is pleroo (πληρόω), meaning "to make full," "to complete," or "to bring to pass." Its use here emphasizes that God's prophecies are not merely vague predictions but are precisely and completely brought to fruition, leaving no part undone.

Significance and Application

John 19:36 offers profound assurance to believers:

  • It reinforces the truth of Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, whose life and death perfectly align with hundreds of Old Testament prophecies. This strengthens our faith in the reliability of God's Word.
  • It highlights the perfection and completeness of Christ's sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb had to be without blemish, Jesus' body remained intact, signifying His perfection as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. This is central to the Christian understanding of redemption.
  • The verse reminds us that God's plan is sovereign and immutable. Even in the darkest moments of the crucifixion, God was working out His eternal purposes, giving us hope and trust in His ultimate control over all circumstances.
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.

  • Psalms 34:20

    He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

  • Numbers 9:12

    They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

  • Exodus 12:46

    In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

  • Psalms 22:14

    I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

  • John 19:28

    After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

  • Psalms 35:10

    All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

  • Matthew 1:22

    Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
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