Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:41

"Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid." — John 19:41 (ASV)

The place of burial was a private garden, probably Joseph’s own rock-hewn tomb (Matthew 27:60). The privacy of this garden allowed the women to visit the tomb. No doubt they would have been hesitant to enter a public cemetery at any time—especially before daylight. The location was near the place of execution and was probably just outside the Second North Wall of the city.