What does John 19:33 mean?
John has noted several instances where Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled prophetic statements in the Old Testament. Jesus' death without any broken bones is one such fulfillment. A major component of Passover symbolism (1 Corinthians 5:7) is the sacrifice of a spotless lamb, with explicit care taken not to break bones (Exodus 12: 43–46; Numbers 9:12). Psalm 34:20 makes a similar reference, and this is the verse John will cite in this passage (John 19:36). To speed up this round of executions (John 19:17–18), the governor has agreed to break the legs of the crucified victims. This would make the condemned suffocate in a matter of minutes, rather than hours or days. The two men on either side of Jesus are killed in this way (John 19:32).Jesus, however, was scourged with a Roman flagrum prior to being crucified (John 19:1). This multi-headed whip was woven with lead weights, rocks, glass, or hooks, and could easily kill a victim. When the soldiers come to hurry Jesus' death, it's clear He's already dead (John 19:30). Perhaps at the request of Pilate (Mark 15:44), the Roman executioners will leave no doubt (John 19:34).
John 19:31–37 graphically confirms Jesus was dead before being taken from the cross. To speed up the execution, allowing the bodies to be buried before the Sabbath, soldiers break the legs of the other condemned men. Jesus, however, is clearly dead already. This is verified when a soldier stabs Jesus through the side with a spear. John notes two Old Testament references which allude to this as part of the Messiah's death. Only John, a direct eyewitness to this part of the crucifixion, includes this detail.
Pilate recognizes Jesus' innocence, but fears the mob assembled by Jewish religious leaders. He attempts to satisfy them by having Jesus viciously whipped and mocked. This only results in more cries for Jesus' death. The governor then shifts to protect his own reputation, ordering Jesus to be crucified on a charge of being "King of the Jews." John is directly present as Jesus is executed. He notes the fulfillment of several prophecies as Jesus dies. Once He is confirmed to be dead, Jesus' body is taken by two friendly members of the ruling council. They hastily bury Him in the borrowed crypt of a rich man.
