Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
This verse belongs to the account of Jesus' death and the soldiers' actions at the cross. He died unusually soon, just after the darkness passed, while those crucified often lingered for days. The soldiers broke the legs of the two men crucified with Him to hasten their deaths. His own legs were left unbroken because He was already dead.
The centurion in command of the soldiers confirmed to Pilate that Jesus was dead and recounted the scenes at Calvary. Leaving His bones unbroken fulfilled the prophecy that none of His bones would be broken. Leaving Him whole also met the Passover requirement that the sacrificial victim remain whole.
This verse belongs to the account of Jesus' death and the soldiers' actions at the cross. He died unusually soon, just after the darkness passed, while those crucified often lingered for days. The soldiers broke the legs of the two men crucified with Him to hasten their deaths. His own legs were left unbroken because He was already dead.
The centurion in command of the soldiers confirmed to Pilate that Jesus was dead and recounted the scenes at Calvary. Leaving His bones unbroken fulfilled the prophecy that none of His bones would be broken. Leaving Him whole also met the Passover requirement that the sacrificial victim remain whole.