Keraia
John 19

John 19:34

Jesus’ Side Is Pierced · John 19:31–37
Read John 19

Translations

Modern
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
Traditional
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
Literal
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water came out immediately.
Latin
…sed unus militum lancea latus ejus aperuit, et continuo exivit sanguis et aqua.

Original

Greek
English
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

Notes

John 19:34

  • To confirm that Jesus was dead, a Roman soldier stabbed his side with a spear.

  • blood and water flowed out: This has several levels of meaning:

    1. The spear probably cut through the pericardium, the sack around the heart, releasing these fluids.

    2. John might have been thinking of more Passover symbolism. The Passover lamb’s blood had to flow as it died.

    3. The water flowing from the side of Jesus is similar to the language of "living water" that Jesus had mentioned earlier (see 4:10–14; 7:37–39).

Theme notes and profiles

The Cross and Passover

Events

Parallels

Zechariah 12:10–14

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bone Caesarea Crucifixion John, Gospel of Passion Preparation, Day of Procurator

Topics

Blood of Christ Jesus, the Christ: Death of Jesus, the Christ: Taken Down from the Cross and Buried (Just Outside Jerusalem) Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Pierced: Fulfilled Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Side Being Pierced