John 19:39

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].

And {G1161} there came {G2064} also {G2532} Nicodemus {G3530}, which {G3588} at the first {G4412} came {G2064} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424} by night {G3571}, and brought {G5342} a mixture {G3395} of myrrh {G4666} and {G2532} aloes {G250}, about {G5616} an hundred {G1540} pound {G3046} weight.

Also Nakdimon, who at first had gone to see Yeshua by night, came with some seventy pounds of spices — a mixture of myrrh and aloes.

Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

Commentary

John 19:39 describes a poignant moment immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus, where two prominent, yet previously cautious, figures step forward to ensure His proper burial. This verse highlights the devotion of Nicodemus, who brings a significant quantity of burial spices, joining Joseph of Arimathea in this solemn task.

Context

This verse follows the account of Joseph of Arimathea, who, as a secret disciple, bravely requested Jesus' body from Pilate. Nicodemus's appearance here is particularly notable because of his past. The Gospel of John first introduces him in John 3:2, where he came to Jesus "by night," likely due to fear of reprisal or a desire for private instruction, given his position as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He later defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin in John 7:50-51. Now, at the most dangerous and shameful moment for Jesus' followers, Nicodemus openly identifies with Him by assisting in His burial, a task that would have made him ritually unclean and publicly associated him with a condemned criminal.

Key Themes

  • Transformation and Courage: Nicodemus's journey from a secret, nocturnal inquirer to an open helper in Jesus' burial demonstrates a profound transformation. His willingness to act publicly in this moment of vulnerability for Jesus' cause reveals growing conviction and courageous faith, overcoming earlier fear or caution.
  • Costly Devotion: The "hundred pound weight" of myrrh and aloes represents an enormous and expensive quantity of spices. This extravagant offering signifies immense love, respect, and devotion to Jesus, fitting for a king or a highly honored person, far beyond a typical burial preparation. It underscores the value Nicodemus placed on Jesus, even in death.
  • Honorable Burial: Despite Jesus' crucifixion as a criminal, His body receives an honorable burial, attended by wealthy and influential men. This detail, though not explicitly a prophecy in itself, aligns with Old Testament expectations of the Messiah's burial among the rich (Isaiah 53:9).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Myrrh and Aloes": These were aromatic resins and powdered fragrant wood commonly used in ancient burial practices to embalm bodies and mask the odor of decay. Myrrh was a costly perfume and anointing oil, often associated with royalty and sacred rituals, notably brought as a gift to the infant Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). Aloes here refers to a fragrant wood (not the medicinal plant) ground into powder. The combination was essential for a respectful and thorough preparation of the body.
  • "About an hundred pound weight": The Greek term used, litra, refers to the Roman pound, which was approximately 12 ounces. Therefore, 100 Roman pounds would be around 75 modern pounds or 34 kilograms. This quantity was exceptionally large, indicating a lavish and respectful burial, akin to that given to a king or a person of great significance.

Practical Application

Nicodemus's actions offer several lessons for believers today:

  • Growth in Faith: His journey from secret inquirer to open disciple encourages us that faith often grows gradually, but true devotion ultimately leads to open commitment, even when it's costly or unpopular.
  • Courage in Conviction: In a world that can be hostile to Christian values, Nicodemus reminds us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it means personal risk or public scrutiny.
  • Generous Service: His extravagant gift of spices challenges us to consider the depth of our own devotion and willingness to sacrifice our resources, time, and talents in service to Christ, even when it seems the cause is lost. Just as Nicodemus prepared Jesus' body for burial, we are called to serve Christ in whatever capacity He leads, even in seemingly small or hidden ways, until He is laid in the tomb and the resurrection awaits.
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Cross-References

  • John 7:50

    Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

  • John 7:52

    They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

  • John 3:1

    ¶ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

  • John 3:21

    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:14

    Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

  • John 12:7

    Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:6

    Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
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