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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλθὼν
came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
G3530
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
Strong's:
G3530
Word #:
4 of 20
victorious among his people; nicodemus, an israelite
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθὼν
came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φέρων
and brought
G5342
φέρων
and brought
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
13 of 20
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
Historical Context
Roman custom was cremation; Jewish custom required quick burial with spices to offset decomposition in warm climate. Nicodemus's quantity suggested expectation of extended burial. Myrrh and aloes were aromatic resins mixed and applied between linen wrappings. The expense indicated royal burial—ironically for the 'King of the Jews' mocked hours earlier.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nicodemus's spiritual journey from secret seeker to public confessor encourage gradual growth in faith?
- What does the extravagant quantity of burial spices teach about appropriate worship—is anything 'too much' for Jesus?
- How do Joseph and Nicodemus's actions demonstrate that true faith eventually requires public identification with Christ regardless of cost?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (ἦλθεν δὲ καὶ Νικόδημος, ὁ ἐλθὼν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτὸς τὸ πρῶτον, φέρων μίγμα σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν, ēlthen de kai Nikodēmos, ho elthōn pros auton nyktos to prōton, pherōn migma smyrnēs kai aloēs hōs litras hekaton)—Nicodemus, introduced in John 3 as the nighttime visitor, now comes publicly with extravagant burial spices: σμύρνης καὶ ἀλόης (smyrnēs kai aloēs, 'myrrh and aloes') weighing ὡς λίτρας ἑκατόν (hōs litras hekaton, 'about 100 pounds/75 lbs modern weight'). This enormous quantity—appropriate for kings (2 Chronicles 16:14)—demonstrates both wealth and devotion.
Nicodemus's progression tracks spiritual growth: first, fearful nighttime inquiry (John 3:1-21); second, tepid defense of Jesus (John 7:50-51); finally, public identification with the crucified Christ. The 'hundred pounds' of spices is lavish—far exceeding normal burial practices. This act of worship echoes Mary's anointing (John 12:3): when you love Jesus, no gift is excessive. Both Joseph and Nicodemus gave treasures to honor the One religious leaders dishonored.