John 19:32

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other.

John 19:32 Meaning and Commentary

John 19:32

Then came the soldiers
Pilate having granted the Jews what they desired; either the soldiers that crucified Christ, and the others with him, and watched their bodies, being ordered by Pilate, went from the place where they sat; or a fresh company, which were sent for this purpose, came from the city:

and brake the legs of the first;
they came unto, which whether it was he that was crucified on his right hand, and was the penitent believer in him, as some have thought, is not certain:

and of the other which was crucified with him;
who, if the former is true, must be he that reviled him; and was this their position, it was a lively emblem of the last day, when the sheep shall stand at the right, and the goats on the left hand of Christ.

John 19:32 In-Context

30 After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done . . . complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

31 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn't stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down.

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other.

33 When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs.

34 One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.