Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:33

"but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:" — John 19:33 (ASV)

The execution squad was well acquainted with the signs of death. Consequently, not fracturing Jesus’ legs shows that they considered him to be already dead. His swift death undoubtedly indicates a voluntary ending of his life because his work was ended (v.30; cf. Lk 23:46). He had said of himself that he could lay down his life that he might take it again (10:17).