31 Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36 These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” (NRSV)
31 Since it was the day of preparation, the Judeans asked Pilate to have the legs of the three [crucified] broken and the bodies taken away. Otherwise their bodies would remain on the cross during the Sabbath. (You see, the Sabbath was a high holy day). 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and then of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they could see that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers jabbed him in the side with his spear, and right away blood and water came pouring out. (35 The one who observed this has given this testimony and his testimony is true. He knows he is telling the truth, so you too will believe). 36 This happened so the scripture that says,
No bone of his shall be broken,
would be fulfilled, 37 as well as another scripture that says,
They shall look at the one they have pierced. (SV