John 19:39

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
John 19:39 records a profoundly significant moment immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus, where Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and Jewish leader, emerges from the shadows of secret discipleship to openly assist Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus' body for burial. His act of bringing an extraordinary quantity of myrrh and aloes for embalming underscores a deep, costly devotion and ensures an honorable burial for Jesus, contrasting sharply with the ignominy of His death as a condemned criminal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph of Arimathea Requests Jesus' Body"), where Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, courageously requests Jesus' body from Pilate. Nicodemus's arrival is presented as a complementary act, highlighting the joint effort of two influential, yet previously cautious, men. The Gospel of John first introduces Nicodemus in [John 3:1-2](/john/3-1-2 "John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night"), where he sought Jesus out "by night," indicative of his initial fear or desire for discretion due to his position. He later subtly defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin in [John 7:50-51](/john/7-50-51 "John 7:50-51 - Nicodemus Defends Jesus"). His public appearance at the cross, at the moment of Jesus' greatest shame and vulnerability, marks the culmination of his spiritual journey from hesitant inquirer to bold follower, demonstrating a profound transformation of faith and courage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion typically involved leaving bodies exposed or throwing them into common graves, denying honorable burial. Jewish law, however, required prompt burial, especially for those executed ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed")). For a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin like Nicodemus, handling a crucified body would render him ritually unclean, preventing him from participating in Passover observances. Furthermore, publicly associating with a condemned criminal was a dangerous act of defiance against both Roman and Jewish authorities, risking his reputation, status, and even his life. The use of myrrh and aloes was a common practice for burial, mixed with water or oil to anoint and wrap the body, serving as a preservative and a fragrant counter to decomposition. The quantity brought by Nicodemus, "about an hundred pound weight," was exceptionally lavish, far exceeding typical burial preparations, suggesting a royal or highly esteemed burial, despite Jesus' criminal status.

* **Key Themes:** Nicodemus's actions in this verse powerfully illustrate several key themes. First, it highlights **Transformation and Courage**, as Nicodemus moves from a clandestine seeker of truth to an overt, albeit risky, display of devotion to Jesus, demonstrating that true faith often matures into public commitment, even in the face of adversity. Second, it underscores **Costly Devotion**, as the "hundred pound weight" of spices represents an enormous financial outlay and a profound personal risk, symbolizing an extravagant offering of love and respect for Jesus, far beyond what was customary. This lavish gift mirrors the costly anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany in [John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany"). Finally, this honorable burial, orchestrated by wealthy and influential men, subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God** and the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the often-overlooked detail in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial with the Rich") that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death," despite dying as a criminal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nicodemus (Greek, _Nikódēmos'_):** From G3530. Meaning "victorious among his people," Nicodemus was an Israelite, a Pharisee, and a ruler of the Jews. His name itself, implying victory, contrasts with his initial cautious approach to Jesus, making his bold action here particularly poignant as he "victoriously" overcomes fear to honor Christ.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064. This verb signifies "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." Its repetition in the verse ("came also Nicodemus," "came to Jesus by night") emphasizes the contrast between his previous clandestine visits and his present overt arrival, highlighting his decisive movement towards open identification with Jesus.
* **mixture (Greek, _mígma'_):** From G3395. This term denotes "a compound," referring to the blend of myrrh and aloes. The use of a "mixture" implies a deliberate and prepared concoction, ready for the specific purpose of embalming, underscoring the intentionality and thoroughness of Nicodemus's provision.
* **pound (Greek, _lítra'_):** From G3046. This refers to a "pound in weight," specifically the Roman pound (libra), which was approximately 12 ounces or 327 grams. The mention of "an hundred pound weight" (100 litras) signifies an exceptionally large and costly quantity, emphasizing the lavishness and honor bestowed upon Jesus' body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came also Nicodemus":** This phrase immediately connects Nicodemus's appearance to Joseph of Arimathea's request in the preceding verse, highlighting their joint, coordinated effort. The word "also" emphasizes that Nicodemus is joining an already courageous act, adding his own significant contribution to the honorable burial of Jesus. His presence is unexpected given his previous caution.
* **"which at the first came to Jesus by night":** This parenthetical clause serves as a crucial reminder of Nicodemus's initial encounter with Jesus, detailed in [John 3:1-2](/john/3-1-2 "John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night"). It underscores the dramatic transformation of his faith, moving from a secret, fearful inquiry under the cover of darkness to a public, courageous act of devotion in the light of day, identifying with a crucified criminal.
* **"and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes":** This specifies the precious and aromatic substances Nicodemus supplied for Jesus' burial. Myrrh (a costly resin) and aloes (a fragrant wood powder, not the medicinal plant) were commonly used in ancient Jewish burial practices to anoint and wrap bodies, serving both as a perfume and a preservative. This act was a traditional sign of respect and honor for the deceased.
* **"about an hundred pound [weight]":** This detail emphasizes the immense quantity of spices Nicodemus brought. One hundred Roman pounds (litras) would be approximately 75 modern pounds or 34 kilograms. This was an extraordinarily lavish amount, far exceeding what was typical for a common burial. It signifies an act of profound reverence, generosity, and costly devotion, fitting for a king or a highly esteemed person, thereby bestowing royal honor upon the crucified Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John's account of Nicodemus's actions employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Nicodemus, who initially sought Jesus "by night" due to fear or caution, now openly identifies with Him in the most public and dangerous moment – His death and burial. This reversal highlights the transformative power of faith. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the "hundred pound weight" of myrrh and aloes. This extravagant quantity symbolizes not merely a practical burial preparation, but a lavish act of devotion, honor, and love, typically reserved for royalty or highly revered figures. It elevates Jesus' status even in death, contrasting with the ignominy of crucifixion. Furthermore, the scene presents a form of **Contrast**, juxtaposing the public shame of Jesus' execution with the private, yet profoundly honorable, care given to His body by two wealthy and influential men. This contrast underscores God's providential care and the unexpected ways His purposes are fulfilled, even through unlikely instruments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:39 is rich with theological significance, revealing the transformative power of divine encounter and the nature of true discipleship. Nicodemus's journey from a cautious, nocturnal inquirer to a bold, public participant in Jesus' burial demonstrates that genuine faith often grows incrementally, culminating in courageous action even when it entails significant personal cost. His lavish offering of spices underscores the immeasurable worth of Christ, even in death, and the boundless generosity that true devotion inspires. This act of honorable burial, orchestrated by wealthy men, also subtly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, reminding us that God's sovereign plan unfolds perfectly, even in the darkest moments of human history.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial with the Rich")
* [John 3:1-21](/john/3-1-21 "John 3:1-21 - Jesus Teaches Nicodemus About Being Born Again")
* [Matthew 2:11](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Magi's Gifts to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nicodemus's transformation offers a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journeys. His initial caution, rooted in his social standing and fear, gradually gave way to a courageous, public declaration of allegiance to Jesus at His most vulnerable moment. This reminds us that faith is often a process of growth, moving from private conviction to open confession and costly service. In a world that often demands conformity or silence from believers, Nicodemus challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, to openly identify with Christ even when it means personal risk, social disapproval, or significant sacrifice? His extravagant gift of spices also prompts us to examine the measure of our devotion. What "costly devotion" are we prepared to offer to Christ—not just in terms of material possessions, but also our time, talents, reputation, and comfort—especially when the "cause" seems lost or unpopular? Nicodemus's example calls us to a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but active, sacrificial love, demonstrating that true discipleship is measured not by convenience, but by conviction and courage, even in the face of death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has your faith journey mirrored Nicodemus's, moving from caution or secrecy to a more open and courageous identification with Christ?**
* **What "costly devotion" are you willing to offer Christ, whether in terms of resources, time, or reputation, especially when it feels counter-cultural or risky?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to step out of your comfort zone and publicly demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus, even amidst potential societal disapproval or personal cost?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nicodemus's appearance at Jesus' burial so significant?**

Answer: Nicodemus's appearance is highly significant because it marks a profound turning point in his discipleship. Initially, he sought Jesus "by night" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night")), indicating a cautious, perhaps fearful, approach due to his prominent position as a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. His public involvement in Jesus' burial, a task that would make him ritually unclean and publicly associate him with a condemned criminal, demonstrates immense courage and a clear, open identification with Christ. It symbolizes his transformation from a secret inquirer to a bold, committed follower, willing to risk everything for the one he now fully believes in, even in death.

**What was the purpose of the myrrh and aloes, and why such a large quantity?**

Answer: Myrrh and aloes were aromatic resins and fragrant wood powders commonly used in ancient Jewish burial practices. Their primary purpose was to anoint the body, often mixed with water or oil, and to wrap it in linen cloths. This served both as a perfume to mask the odor of decay and as a form of embalming or preservation, though not as extensive as Egyptian mummification. The "hundred pound weight" (approximately 75 modern pounds or 34 kilograms) was an extraordinarily large and expensive quantity, far exceeding what was typical for a common burial. This lavish amount signifies the immense respect, honor, and love Nicodemus had for Jesus, akin to the burial preparations for a king or a highly revered dignitary, contrasting sharply with the ignominious death Jesus suffered. It was an act of profound, costly devotion.

**Does this verse fulfill any Old Testament prophecy?**

Answer: While not a direct, explicit prophecy of the spices or the quantity, Nicodemus's actions, alongside Joseph of Arimathea's, contribute to the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy found in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial with the Rich"). This verse prophesies that the Suffering Servant, despite being "assigned a grave with the wicked," would ultimately be "with the rich in his death." Jesus, crucified as a criminal, received an honorable burial from two wealthy and influential men (Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus), thus fulfilling this specific detail of the Messiah's death and burial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The actions of Nicodemus in [John 19:39](/john/19-39 "John 19:39 - Nicodemus Brings Spices for Jesus' Burial") powerfully point to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. His costly offering of myrrh and aloes, fit for a king, underscores the profound truth that even in death, Jesus is honored as the divine King and Messiah. This extravagant anointing, reminiscent of Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet in [John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany") (which Jesus Himself declared was "for the day of my burial"), highlights the preciousness of His sacrifice. The honorable burial, facilitated by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, ensures that the body of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is laid to rest in a manner befitting His true identity, even though He died as a criminal. This meticulous care for Jesus' body, far from being an end, is a crucial step in the divine narrative, preparing for the ultimate triumph of the resurrection. It signifies that even in the apparent defeat of the cross, God's sovereign hand was at work, ensuring every detail aligned with His eternal purpose, leading to Jesus' glorious victory over death and the grave, as heralded in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death"). Thus, Nicodemus's act of devotion, though seemingly for a dead man, is a testament to the living Christ, whose burial was a necessary prelude to His resurrection and the inauguration of new life for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.