Because of the preparation — That is, they chose the rather to lay him in that sepulchre which was nigh, because it was the day before the Sabbath, which also was drawing to an end, so that they had no time to carry him far.
Related Commentaries of John 19:42
John 19:42
42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.