John 19:33

33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they did not break his legs,

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 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross {Gr. stauros – stake} on the sabbath day (for that sabbath day was a high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.

32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who were crucified with him.

33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they did not break his legs,

34 but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith blood and water came out.

35 And he that saw it gives testimony, and his testimony is true, and he knows that he says the truth, that ye also might believe.