Jesus’ Side is Pierced
The piercing of Jesus’ side is a detail unique to the Gospel of John, yet it resonates deeply with Old Testament prophecy and the theological heart of the New Testament. This event, occurring after Jesus’ death on the cross, is not merely a historical footnote but a moment rich with meaning for the identity and mission of the Messiah. The act of piercing fulfills ancient scripture, reveals the reality of Jesus’ death, and becomes a symbol of the outpouring of grace and the birth of the church. This article explores the biblical narrative of Jesus’ side being pierced, its prophetic background, theological implications, and enduring significance for Christian faith.
The Biblical Account: Jesus Pierced in the Side
The event is recorded in John 19:31-37. After Jesus has died on the cross, the Jewish leaders, concerned that the bodies should not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, ask Pilate to have the legs of the crucified broken to hasten death. The soldiers break the legs of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, but when they come to Jesus, they find that he is already dead.
“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced.’” (John 19:34-37)
This passage is remarkable for its attention to eyewitness testimony, its explicit connection to Old Testament prophecy, and its emphasis on the physical reality of Jesus’ death.
Who Pierced Jesus’ Side in Scripture?
According to John 19:34, “one of the soldiers” pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. The text does not name the soldier, and no other Gospel records this specific act. The Roman soldiers were responsible for carrying out crucifixions and ensuring that the condemned were truly dead. The piercing was likely a routine measure to confirm death, but in the providence of God, it became a sign laden with meaning.
Which Side Was Jesus Pierced On?
The Gospel of John does not specify which side of Jesus’ body was pierced. Christian tradition, art, and iconography often depict the wound on Jesus’ right side, but the biblical text is silent on this detail. The focus of the narrative is not on the anatomical location but on the fulfillment of scripture and the theological significance of the act.
The Old Testament Background: Prophecy Fulfilled
John explicitly connects the piercing of Jesus’ side to two Old Testament passages. The first is Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12, which command that the Passover lamb’s bones must not be broken. By noting that Jesus’ bones were not broken, John identifies Jesus as the true Passover lamb, whose sacrifice brings deliverance from sin and death (see also, 1 Corinthians 5:7).
The second and more direct prophecy is from Zechariah 12:10: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.”
This prophecy speaks of a future time when Israel will recognize the one they have pierced and respond with repentance and mourning. John applies this to Jesus, declaring that the piercing of his side fulfills Zechariah’s vision.
Psalm 22:16 is also relevant: “They have pierced my hands and feet.” While this primarily refers to the act of crucifixion itself, it contributes to the larger biblical motif of the Messiah being pierced for the sake of others.
Theological Significance of Jesus’ Side Being Pierced
The piercing of Jesus’ side is rich in theological meaning. First, it confirms the reality of Jesus’ death. The flow of blood and water has been interpreted medically as evidence that Jesus was truly dead, not merely unconscious. This counters early heresies that denied the full humanity or real death of Christ (see, 1 John 4:2-3).
Second, the blood and water that flow from Jesus’ side have been understood symbolically by Christian tradition. Many church fathers saw in the blood and water a reference to the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and baptism, the means by which believers participate in the life and grace of Christ (see, 1 John 5:6-8). The church, in this view, is born from the side of the crucified savior, just as Eve was formed from the side of Adam (Genesis 2:21-22; Ephesians 5:25-32).
Third, the piercing fulfills the role of Jesus as the suffering servant who bears the sins of many. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.” The wound in Jesus’ side is the visible mark of his vicarious suffering, the price paid for human redemption.
Fourth, the act of piercing, performed by a Gentile soldier, anticipates the inclusion of the nations in the salvation accomplished by Christ. The one who is pierced becomes the object of faith and mourning for both Jews and Gentiles (John 12:32; Revelation 1:7).
The Witness of John: Eyewitness and Testimony
John’s Gospel is unique in its emphasis on eyewitness testimony. The writer insists, “He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you also may believe” (John 19:35). This insistence on the factuality of the event underscores its importance for faith. The reality of Jesus’ death, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the outpouring of blood and water are all presented as grounds for belief in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God.
The Pierced One in Christian Hope and Worship
The image of the pierced savior becomes central to Christian worship and hope. In Revelation 1:7, John writes: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.”
This vision draws together Zechariah’s prophecy and the events of the crucifixion, projecting them into the future when the risen Christ will be revealed to all. The wounds of Jesus are not erased in resurrection; they remain as the marks of his love and the basis of redemption (John 20:27).
The apostle Paul, too, alludes to the significance of Christ’s wounds. In Galatians 6:17, he writes, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” The suffering and wounds of the Messiah become the pattern for Christian discipleship and the assurance of God’s grace.
The Piercing and the New Covenant
The blood that flows from Jesus’ side is the blood of the new covenant (Luke 22:20). The old covenant, established through the sacrifice of animals, is fulfilled and surpassed by the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14). The water may symbolize the cleansing and renewal promised by the prophets (Ezekiel 36:25-27; John 7:37-39).
Conclusion - Jesus’ Side is Pierced
The piercing of Jesus’ side is a moment of profound significance, uniting prophecy, history, and theology. It confirms the reality of Jesus’ death, fulfills the scriptures, and reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity. The blood and water that flow from his side become the source of life, cleansing, and the birth of the church. The wounds of the crucified savior are the marks of redemption, the fulfillment of the suffering servant, and the hope of all who look to him in faith.