It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
NMVAnd that day was the preparation, and the Shabbat [rest] drew on.
OJBAnd it was nearly Erev Shabbat, Shabbos was drawing near.
TCENTIt was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was approaching.
T4TThey had to do it quickly because that was Friday, the day when people prepared things for the Jewish day of rest. ◄The Sabbath/The day of rest► was about to start at sunset, so they had to finish burying Jesus’ body before sunset.