John 19:40-42

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. John 19:40 tn On this term see BDAG 140-41 s.v. ἄρωμα. The Jews did not practice embalming, so these materials were used to cover the stench of decay and slow decomposition.
2. John 19:40 tn The Fourth Gospel uses ὀθονίοις (othoniois) to describe the wrappings, and this has caused a good deal of debate, since it appears to contradict the synoptic accounts which mention a σινδών (sindōn), a large single piece of linen cloth. If one understands ὀθονίοις to refer to smaller strips of cloth, like bandages, there would be a difference, but diminutive forms have often lost their diminutive force in Koine Greek (BDF §111.3), so there may not be any difference. Also, Luke uses both terms to refer to the wrappings, which suggests they are interchangeable in some contexts at least (Luke 23:53; 24:12).
3. John 19:40 tn Grk “cloth as is the custom of the Jews to prepare for burial.”
4. John 19:41 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
5. John 19:41 sn See the note on Crucify in 19:6.
6. John 19:41 tn Or “an orchard.”
7. John 19:41 tn Or “orchard.”
8. John 19:41 tn Grk “been placed.”
9. John 19:42 sn The day of preparation was the day before the Sabbath when everything had to be prepared for it, as no work could be done on the Sabbath.
10. John 19:42 sn The tomb was nearby. The Passover and the Sabbath would begin at 6 p.m., so those who had come to prepare and bury the body could not afford to waste time.