Numbers 9:12 repeats an important requirement of the Passover: none of the sacrificial animal's bones was to be broken. In its immediate setting, this command governed Israel's observance of the Passover and preserved the pattern originally established at the Exodus. The animal was to be treated as a complete sacrificial victim according to God's instructions.

John 19:31-36 gives this detail a direct Christological application. Because the Sabbath was approaching, the Roman soldiers broke the legs of the men crucified beside Jesus, but they did not break Jesus' legs because He was already dead. John then says that this occurred so that Scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." The evangelist therefore presents Jesus' death in the light of the Passover pattern. Numbers 9:12 is not merely a coincidental resemblance; together with the original Passover command, it forms part of the scriptural background John explicitly applies to Christ, the true Passover sacrifice.