John 19:31 net — Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath(for that…

NET Bible

"Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath(for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have the victims’ legs broken and the bodies taken down."

— John 19:31, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

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John 19:31 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “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.”

  • ASV

    “The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ”

  • WEB

    “Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”

  • DRB

    “Then the Jews (because it was the parasceve), that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day (for that was a great sabbath day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken: and that they might be taken away.”

  • BBE

    “Now it was the day of getting ready for the Passover, and so that the bodies might not be on the cross on the Sabbath (because the day of that Sabbath was a great day), the Jews made a request to Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.”

  • KJVA

    “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 — Context

28

Jesus’ Death After this Jesus, realizing that by this time everything was completed, said(in order to fulfill the scripture),“I am thirsty!”

29

A jar full of sour wine was there, so they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a branch of hyssop and lifted it to his mouth.

30

When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said,“It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31

Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath(for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have the victims’ legs broken and the bodies taken down.

32

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who had been crucified with Jesus, first the one and then the other.

33

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

34

But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out immediately.

John 19:31 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 19:31 say?
John 19:31 in the NET Bible reads: “Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath(for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have the victims’ legs broken and the bodies taken down.”
Where is John 19:31 in the Bible?
John 19:31 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 19, verse 31.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 19:31.
What translation should I read John 19:31 in?
John 19:31 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 19:31?
John 19:31 reads (NET): “Then, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not stay on the crosses on the Sabbath(for that Sabbath was an especially important one), the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to have the victims’ legs broken and the bodies taken down.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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