KJV ORIGINAL
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Since it was Friday and the religious leaders didn't want bodies hanging on crosses during the Sabbath (especially this one, which was a major holy day), they asked Pilate to have the men's legs broken so they'd die faster and could be taken down.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Even in the middle of executing Jesus, religious rules and appearances still mattered more to them than mercy.
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