John 19:33

33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead.

John 19:33 Meaning and Commentary

John 19:33

But when they came to Jesus
Whom they passed by before, and now returned to; this they did not out of tenderness to him, but that he might be the longer in his torture, and whom they reserved till last, that they might use him with the greater cruelty and barbarity:

and saw that he was dead already;
as they might, from the bowing down of his head, the ghastliness of his countenance, the falling of his jaws, and other signs:

they brake not his legs;
there being no occasion for it, nor would it have answered any end, were they ever so spiteful and malicious against him; though the true reason was, and which restrained them from it, divine providence would not suffer them to do it.

John 19:33 In-Context

31 Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men's legs broken and that [their bodies] be taken away.

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him.

33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead.

34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.

35 He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.