It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
World English Bible (WEB)
The Jews{G2453} therefore{G3767}, because{G1893} it was{G2258}{(G5713)}{(G5625)}{G2258}{(G5713)} the preparation{G3904}, that{G3363} the bodies{G4983} should{G3306} not{G3363} remain{G3306}{(G5661)} upon{G1909} the cross{G4716} on{G1722} the sabbath day{G4521},(for{G1063} that{G1565} sabbath day{G4521} was{G2258}{(G5713)} an high{G3173} day{G2250},) besought{G2065}{(G5656)} Pilate{G4091} that{G2443} their{G846} legs{G4628} might be broken{G2608}{(G5652)}, and{G2532} that they might be taken away{G142}{(G5686)}.
Strong's King James
(31) Then the Judeans because it was preparation day, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross in Shabbat because that Shabbat was a great day, asked Pilate that their legs be broken and them, taken away.
The F.O.G
The F.O.G Message
The Jews, therefore, that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, since it was the preparation, (for that sabbath day was a great one,) asked of Pilate that their legs may be broken, and they taken away.
Young's Literal Translation
