Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:42

"There then because of the Jews` Preparation (for the tomb was nigh at hand) they laid Jesus." — John 19:42 (ASV)

The allusion to “the Jewish day of Preparation” creates the impression that the burial was hasty, though the amount of spices suggests that as far as Joseph and Nicodemus were concerned, it was final (though they may not have completed all they wished to do). The women observed the place of the entombment. Consequently they knew where to go in order to fulfill their desire for a part in the burial of Jesus.