Joh 19:39-41 | RWP | e4.org | Nicodemus also ( κα Νικοδημος ). The Synoptics tell about Joseph of Arimathea, but only John adds the help that Nicodemus gave him in the burial of Jesus, these two timid disciples, Nicodemus now at last taking an open stand. At the first ( το πρωτον ). Adverbial accusative and reference to . Mixture ( μιγμα ). Late word from μιγνυμ , to mix, only here in the N.T. Many old MSS. have here ελιγμα (roll), from ελισσω ( ), another late word here only in N.T. It was common to use sweet-smelling spices in the burial ( ). Pound ( λιτρας ). Late word for twelve ounces, in N.T. only here and . Nicodemus was a rich man and probably covered the entire body with the spices.

‏ John 19:39-41

Nicodemus also ( κα Νικοδημος ). The Synoptics tell about Joseph of Arimathea, but only John adds the help that Nicodemus gave him in the burial of Jesus, these two timid disciples, Nicodemus now at last taking an open stand.

At the first ( το πρωτον ). Adverbial accusative and reference to 3:1ff.

Mixture ( μιγμα ). Late word from μιγνυμ, to mix, only here in the N.T. Many old MSS. have here ελιγμα (roll), from ελισσω (Heb 1:12), another late word here only in N.T. It was common to use sweet-smelling spices in the burial (2Ch 16:14).

Pound ( λιτρας ). Late word for twelve ounces, in N.T. only here and 12:3. Nicodemus was a rich man and probably covered the entire body with the spices.

In linen cloths ( οθονιοις ). Late diminutive for the old οθονη, used for ships' sails, in N.T. here and Lu 24:12. Case here either locative or instrumental.

With the spices ( μετα των αρωματων ). Late word αρωμα for spices, from fumes.

To bury ( ενταφιαζειν ). Late verb, from ενταφια ( εν, ταφος ) the burial preparations of all sorts (flowers, perfumes, etc.), in N.T. only here and Mt 26:12.

A garden ( κηπος ). See 18:1, 26.

New ( καινον ). Fresh, unused.

Was never yet laid ( ουδεπω ην τεθειμενος ). Periphrastic past perfect passive of τιθημ. It was Joseph's mausoleum, a rock tomb hewn out of the mountain side (Mr 15:56; Mt 27:60; Lu 23:53), a custom common with the rich then and now. For royal tombs in gardens see 2Ki 21:18, 26; Ne 3:16.