John 19:42

KJV

There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

There {G1563} laid they {G5087} Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767} because {G1223} of the Jews {G2453}' preparation {G3904} day; for {G3754} the sepulchre {G3419} was {G2258} nigh at hand {G1451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, because it was Preparation Day for the Judeans, and because the tomb was close by, that is where they buried Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

And because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus there.

American Standard Version

There then because of the Jews’ Preparation (for the tomb was nigh at hand) they laid Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Succinctly details the immediate circumstances of Jesus' burial, emphasizing the urgency driven by Jewish custom and the providential proximity of the tomb. This verse serves as a critical bridge between the crucifixion and the resurrection, underscoring the historical reality of Jesus' death and interment while subtly highlighting the meticulous unfolding of God's sovereign plan, even amidst the haste and sorrow of the moment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and death in John's Gospel, immediately following the account of His death on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")). It describes the swift actions taken by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to bury Jesus' body before the Sabbath began. Their courageous intervention, detailed in [John 19:38-40](/john/19-38-40 "John 19:38-40 - Joseph and Nicodemus Bury Jesus"), stands in stark contrast to the flight of most other disciples, highlighting their quiet devotion at a critical juncture. The placement of this verse sets the stage for the empty tomb narrative in [John 20](/john/20 "John 20 - The Resurrection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "Jews' preparation day" (Greek: _paraskeuē_) refers to Friday, the day before the Sabbath. In this specific instance, it was the day before a "high Sabbath," which was both the weekly Sabbath and the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, coinciding with Passover ([John 19:31](/john/19-31 "John 19:31 - Request for Bodies to be Removed")). Jewish law, particularly as derived from [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), mandated that bodies of those executed should not remain exposed overnight but must be buried before sunset. This strict adherence to the law meant that Jesus' body had to be interred quickly, as the Sabbath began at sunset on Friday, prohibiting any work, including burials. The proximity of the tomb was thus a practical necessity driven by this cultural and religious imperative.
* **Key Themes:** [John 19:42](/john/19-42 "John 19:42 - Jesus' Burial") contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. It reinforces the **historical veracity** of Jesus' death and burial, a foundational truth for the Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). The verse also subtly alludes to **divine providence**, as the convenient location of the tomb and the timing of the burial were not accidental but part of God's preordained plan, ensuring the proper handling of Jesus' body and setting the stage for the resurrection. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus' burial "with the rich" ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant")) is implicitly fulfilled through Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, providing his own new tomb.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **preparation (Greek, _paraskeuḗ'_):** From G3904, this term denotes "readiness" or "preparation." In Jewish custom, it specifically referred to the day before the Sabbath (Friday), when all necessary tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and burials, had to be completed before the Sabbath rest began at sunset. Its use here underscores the urgency and the legal necessity of burying Jesus before the start of the "high Sabbath."
* **sepulchre (Greek, _mnēmeîon'_):** From G3419, meaning "a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment); grave, sepulchre, tomb." This word emphasizes the nature of the place where Jesus was laid—a tomb, specifically a new one belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, indicating a formal and respectful burial, not a hasty, dishonorable disposal.
* **nigh at hand (Greek, _engýs'_):** From G1451, meaning "near (literally or figuratively, of place or time); from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready." This term highlights the immediate proximity of the tomb to the crucifixion site, a crucial detail that enabled the quick burial required by the "preparation day" customs. It underscores the practical convenience that facilitated the fulfillment of the law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There laid they Jesus therefore":** This clause describes the action of placing Jesus' body into the tomb. "They" refers to Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who took responsibility for the burial. The adverb "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) indicates a logical consequence, connecting this action to the preceding events of Jesus' death and the subsequent need for His interment.
* **"because of the Jews' preparation [day]":** This phrase provides the primary reason for the haste and location of the burial. The "preparation day" (Friday) necessitated the completion of all tasks, including burials, before sunset when the Sabbath began. This was particularly critical as it was also the eve of a high Passover Sabbath, making the observance even more stringent.
* **"for the sepulchre was nigh at hand":** This final clause offers the practical explanation for the swift and convenient burial. The tomb's close proximity to the crucifixion site allowed Joseph and Nicodemus to inter Jesus' body quickly, thereby fulfilling the requirements of the "preparation day" without violating the Sabbath.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to convey a significant event with remarkable brevity, focusing on the essential details of location and timing. There is an element of **Irony** in the fact that the religious authorities, who condemned Jesus, inadvertently ensured the proper, legal burial of His body by their strict adherence to the "preparation day" laws, which prevented His body from remaining on the cross overnight. This also subtly points to **Divine Providence**, where seemingly mundane or circumstantial details (like the tomb's proximity) are revealed to be part of God's sovereign plan, facilitating the necessary steps in the redemptive narrative. The mention of the "sepulchre" also carries **Symbolism**, representing not merely a burial place but the temporary resting place from which Christ would victoriously emerge, transforming the symbol of death into a prelude to life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:42 is foundational to Christian theology, affirming the historical reality of Jesus' death and burial, which are indispensable components of the Gospel message. The meticulous detail about the timing and location, driven by Jewish custom, paradoxically underscores the divine orchestration of events. God's plan unfolded precisely, even in the somber act of burial, ensuring that Jesus' body was laid in a tomb, a necessary precursor to the glorious resurrection. This seemingly practical detail reinforces the truth that every aspect of Christ's passion, from His death to His burial, was part of a predetermined divine purpose, fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for the ultimate victory over death.

* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")
* [Acts 13:29](/acts/13-29 "Acts 13:29 - Jesus' Burial by His Followers")
* [Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57-60 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:42, though brief, carries profound implications for faith and life. It solidifies the historical fact of Jesus' death and burial, which is a non-negotiable truth for the Christian faith, making the subsequent resurrection even more miraculous and powerful. In moments of profound sorrow or apparent defeat, this verse reminds believers that God's meticulous plan is always unfolding, ensuring that every detail, no matter how small or seemingly inconvenient, serves His ultimate purpose. It also highlights the significance of faithful acts, even those performed in quiet, seemingly insignificant ways, by individuals like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Their courageous devotion, emerging when others had fled, provides an enduring example of costly love and commitment to Christ, even in the face of immense risk. We are called to consider how our own quiet acts of obedience and service might be part of God's larger, unseen plan, contributing to His redemptive work in ways we may not fully comprehend.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical certainty of Jesus' burial strengthen your faith in His resurrection?**
* **In what ways might God be working through seemingly inconvenient or mundane circumstances in your life to fulfill His greater purposes?**
* **What lessons can we learn from the quiet courage and devotion of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, especially when it is difficult or risky to stand for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus buried so quickly, and what is the significance of the "preparation day"?**

Answer: Jesus was buried quickly due to strict Jewish law and custom, particularly concerning the Sabbath. The "preparation day" (Greek: _paraskeuḗ_) was Friday, the day before the Sabbath, when all necessary work, including burials, had to be completed before sunset. According to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law for Executed Criminals"), bodies of those executed could not remain exposed overnight. Since the Sabbath began at sunset on Friday, and this particular Sabbath was also a high holy day (Passover Sabbath), it was imperative to inter Jesus' body immediately. The proximity of the tomb, as mentioned in [John 19:42](/john/19-42 "John 19:42 - Jesus' Burial"), facilitated this rapid burial, ensuring compliance with the law. This haste, ironically, also served God's providential plan, affirming the historical reality of Jesus' death before His resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:42, while describing a seemingly mundane logistical detail, profoundly contributes to the Christ-centered narrative of redemption. The burial of Jesus, necessitated by Jewish law and the approaching Sabbath, is not merely an end to His earthly life but a crucial, prophesied step in His redemptive work. As Paul emphasizes in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel's Core"), Christ "died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." The fact of His burial, in a specific tomb, at a specific time, confirms the reality of His death, making His subsequent resurrection not a resuscitation but a true victory over death. Jesus' descent into the grave, though brief, demonstrates His full identification with humanity, even in death, and foreshadows His ultimate triumph over its power. The "nigh at hand" sepulchre, provided by a rich man, also fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Suffering Servant's Burial"), showing that even in His ignominious death, Jesus' divine plan was meticulously unfolding, culminating in the empty tomb and the new life offered to all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ")).

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 19:31

¶ The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away.

John 19:14

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

John 19:41

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

Isaiah 53:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

John 19:20

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin.

Psalms 22:15

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.