John 19:32

Verse

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and those of the other.

American Standard Version (1901)

The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him:

So the men of the army came, and the legs of the first were broken and then of the other who was put to death on the cross with Jesus:

Free Bible Version

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first one and then the other of those crucified with Jesus,

Geneva Bible 1599

Then came the souldiers and brake the legges of the first, and of the other, which was crucified with Iesus.

King James (Authorized) Version

Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

One Unity Resource Bible

Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was placed on execution-stakes with him;

Plain English Version

Pilate agreed, and he told the soldiers to break the men’s legs. They broke the legs of the men on each side of Jesus.

Translation for Translators

So, after Pilate agreed, the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man whom they had nailed on a cross near Jesus. Then they broke the legs of the second man.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the second man who had been crucified with Jesus.

Noah Webster Bible

Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him.

World English Bible

Therefore the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with him;

Young's Literal Translation

The soldiers, therefore, came, and of the first indeed they did break the legs, and of the other who was crucified with him,

Context

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced

³¹It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.³²So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and those of the other.

Summary

This verse describes the fulfillment of the prophecy that none of Jesus' bones would be broken, as the soldiers did not break His legs on the cross. This event underscores Jesus' identity as the Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings redemption and salvation. It also highlights the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus' life, affirming His divine mission and the authenticity of Scripture. The unbroken bones symbolize Jesus' perfection and innocence, emphasizing His role as the sinless Savior who atones for the sins of humanity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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.