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Book of John - Chapter 19 - Verse 40

19:40
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Meaning

After Jesus was crucified, his body was taken down from the cross by his followers. They carefully wrapped his body in linen cloths, a common practice for Jewish burials at the time. The linen cloths were likely strips of fine linen fabric used to wrap the body and hold the limbs together. The spices mentioned in the verse were used to help mask the scent of decay and preserve the body. This act of burial was significant not only as a way to honor Jesus' body but also as a fulfillment of Jewish burial customs. The meticulous care taken in preparing Jesus' body for burial reflects the deep reverence and respect his followers had for him, even in death. This verse serves as a reminder of the humanity of Jesus and the tender care his followers showed him in his final moments on earth.

Theological Overview

In the biblical account of Jesus' burial, we see a glimpse into the traditional Jewish customs of burial during that time period. The mention of wrapping Jesus' body in linen cloths with spices reflects the care and reverence that the Jews had for their deceased loved ones. The use of spices was not only for practical reasons, such as to mask the scent of decay, but also to honor the body of the deceased. The wrapping of the body in linen cloths was a sign of respect and dignity, emphasizing the importance of proper burial practices among the Jewish people. This act of wrapping Jesus' body in linen cloths with spices underscores the significance of honoring the deceased and preparing them for their final resting place. It is a touching reminder of the cultural and religious rituals that were observed in ancient Jewish society.

American Standard Version

So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
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