NT Text: John 19:36
OT Source(s):
Source: Beale & Carson (eds.), Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (2007); Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Typology + Promise-Fulfillment
Significance: After 19:24, 28, now third scriptural proof Jesus' death fulfills OT Scripture. Not only were garments divided in fulfillment (19:24) and Jesus thirsted on cross (19:28), but also after breathing last, legs not broken (unlike those crucified with him), fulfilling OT Passover symbolism. Moreover, not only did Jesus escape breaking of legs, but body also pierced by spear without sustaining bone damage. Two sets of Scripture converge: (1) Psalm 34:20—God's care for righteous man: "He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken"; (2) Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12—specification that no bone of Passover lamb may be broken (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19; Brown; Moloney). Apparently "in Jewish thought disfiguration was obstacle to resurrection," may further explain why John stresses no bone broken (Daube; cf.