John 19:36

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 19:36 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
John 19:36 — American Standard Version

Context — John 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For these things were done, etc.] The not breaking his bones and piercing his side, and that not by chance, and without design; but, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, a bone of him shall not be broken; referring either to (<193420>Psalm 34:20) he keepeth all his bones, not one of them is broken; which if to be understood of the righteous in general, had a very particular and remarkable accomplishment in Christ; though a certain single person seems to be designed; nor is it true in fact of every righteous man, some of whom have had their bones broken; and such a sense would lead to despair in case of broken bones; for whereas such a calamity befalls them, as well as wicked men, under…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken--The reference is to the paschal lamb, as to which this ordinance was stringent (Exo 12:46; Num 9:12. Compare Co1 5:7). But though we are to see here the fulfilment of a very definite typical ordinance, we shall, on searching deeper, see in it a remarkable divine interposition to protect the sacred body of Christ from the last indignity after He had finished the work given Him to do. Every imaginable indignity had been permitted before that, up to the moment of His death. But no sooner is that over than an Unseen hand is found to have provided against the clubs of the rude soldiers coming in contact with that temple of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the scripture should be fulfilled - See Exodus 12:46. John here regards the paschal lamb as an emblem of Christ; and as in the law it was commanded that a bone of that lamb should not be broken, so, in the providence of God, it was ordered that a bone of the Saviour should not be broken. The Scripture thus received a complete fulfillment respecting both the type and the antitype. Some have supposed, however, that John referred to Psalms 34:20. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A bone of it shall not be broken - This was originally spoken of the paschal lamb, an eminent type of Christ. Exo 12:46. John 19:37”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“19:36 “Not one of his bones will be broken”: The Passover lamb could have no broken bones (Exod 12:46; Num 9:12); Jesus was the perfect Passover lamb (cp. Ps 34:20; see also 1 Cor 5:7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that the: Exo 12:46; Num 9:12; Psa 22:14, Psa 34:20, Psa 35:10 John 19:37”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification