John 19:34

KJV

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} one {G1520} of the soldiers {G4757} with a spear {G3057} pierced {G3572} his {G846} side {G4125}, and {G2532} forthwith {G2117} came there out {G1831} blood {G129} and {G2532} water {G5204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, one of the soldiers stabbed his side with a spear, and at once blood and water flowed out.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:34 records a profoundly significant event immediately following the death of Jesus on the cross: a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear, from which flowed blood and water. This seemingly simple act served multiple crucial purposes, including the undeniable verification of Christ's physical death, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the profound theological symbolism of the outpouring of the elements essential to Christian salvation and new life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and death, specifically after He has declared "It is finished" and yielded His spirit ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus Yields His Spirit")). The preceding verses describe the Jewish leaders' request to Pilate to hasten the deaths of the crucified, so their bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, which was a "high day" ([John 19:31](/john/19-31 "John 19:31 - Request to Break Legs")). The soldiers then proceed to break the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, a practice known as *crurifragium*. However, upon reaching Jesus, they find Him already dead and thus do not break His legs, fulfilling a prophecy that "not one of his bones will be broken" ([John 19:36](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Prophecy Fulfilled: No Broken Bones")). The piercing of His side, therefore, serves as a final, definitive confirmation of His death, setting the stage for the burial and subsequent resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal method of execution designed to inflict maximum suffering and public humiliation. Death often occurred from asphyxiation as the condemned could no longer push up to breathe. *Crurifragium*, the breaking of the legs, was a common practice to accelerate death. The Jewish law regarding the Sabbath and the treatment of bodies ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial Before Sunset")) necessitated the removal of bodies before sunset. The soldiers' actions, including the piercing of Jesus' side, were part of their official duty to ensure death and compliance with local customs and Roman authority. The presence of a spear (Greek: *lonche*) was standard military equipment, used here to verify the complete demise of the crucified.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **reality of Jesus' death**, a foundational truth for the resurrection. John, as an eyewitness, emphasizes this fact to counter any future claims that Jesus merely fainted or survived the crucifixion. Secondly, the event highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy**, with John explicitly linking the piercing to [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - They Will Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced") in [John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - Prophecy Fulfilled: They Will Look on Him Whom They Pierced"). This reinforces Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the outflow of **blood and water** carries rich **symbolic meaning**, pointing to the atoning sacrifice of Christ and the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit and the sacraments, themes woven throughout John's theological narrative, particularly in passages like [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pierced (Greek, _nýssō'_):** From G3572, meaning to prick or "nudge," but in this context, it signifies a forceful and decisive stab or thrust. This action was not merely a light poke but a deliberate, penetrating wound intended to ensure death. The use of this specific verb emphasizes the certainty and finality of the act.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, referring to literal blood, but also carrying profound figurative and special meaning, particularly the "atoning blood of Christ." It implies bloodshed and, by extension, kindred. In this verse, it primarily signifies the sacrificial, atoning work of Jesus, the very essence of the new covenant.
* **water (Greek, _hýdōr'_):** From G5204, meaning literal water, often associated with rain. Figuratively, it frequently symbolizes purification, cleansing, new life, and the Holy Spirit in biblical theology. Its outflow alongside blood from Christ's side holds deep spiritual significance, pointing to spiritual cleansing and the impartation of life.
#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side,"**: This clause introduces a decisive action performed by a Roman soldier. The "but" (G235, *allá*) highlights a contrast to the previous action of not breaking Jesus' legs, emphasizing a different method of death confirmation. The soldier's use of a "spear" (G3057, *lonchē*) and the act of "piercing" (G3572, *nýssō*) Jesus' "side" (G4125, *pleurá*) are presented as a definitive, final act to ensure His death. This action is not accidental but a deliberate, forceful thrust into the vital area of the chest, likely penetrating the pericardium or pleura.
* **"and forthwith came there out blood and water."**: This clause describes the immediate and remarkable consequence of the piercing. The term "forthwith" (G2117, *euthýs*) emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the outflow. The appearance of both "blood" (G129, *haîma*) and "water" (G5204, *hýdōr*) is medically significant (potentially indicating a separation of blood plasma or pericardial/pleural effusion due to heart failure or trauma) but, more importantly, carries immense theological weight. This dual outflow is unique to John's account and serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual realities flowing from Christ's sacrifice.
#### Literary Devices
The passage employs significant **Symbolism** through the outflow of "blood and water." The blood universally symbolizes the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the shedding of His life for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of the new covenant. The water, often associated with cleansing, new life, and the Holy Spirit in John's Gospel (e.g., [John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit"), [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Living Water")), symbolizes purification, spiritual regeneration, and the life-giving Spirit that flows from Christ. The combination presents a profound picture of complete salvation: justification through His blood and sanctification through the Spirit. There is also **Foreshadowing**, as this event anticipates the spiritual realities of baptism (water) and the Eucharist (blood) within the Christian tradition, suggesting the ongoing efficacy of Christ's work in the life of the believer. John's specific inclusion of this detail, which is absent from the Synoptic Gospels, also serves as a form of **Eyewitness Testimony**, lending credibility and authority to his account, as he explicitly states in [John 19:35](/john/19-35 "John 19:35 - Eyewitness Testimony").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The piercing of Jesus' side and the outflow of blood and water are not merely historical details but profound theological statements. This event unequivocally confirms the reality of Christ's death, which is foundational to the truth of His resurrection and the efficacy of His atoning work. The dual outflow symbolizes the complete provision of salvation: the blood representing the **propitiatory sacrifice** that cleanses from sin and establishes the new covenant, and the water signifying the **purifying and life-giving work of the Holy Spirit** and the spiritual cleansing that regenerates believers. It points to the source of all spiritual life and the means by which humanity is reconciled to God and made new. This moment encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work.

* [1 John 5:6](/1_john/5-6 "1 John 5:6 - Jesus Came by Water and Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission")
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Cleanses the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:34 invites believers to gaze upon the crucified Christ and contemplate the profound implications of His suffering and death. The certainty of His physical death, confirmed by the soldier's spear, undergirds the miraculous truth of His resurrection. The outflow of blood and water serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the dual blessings of salvation: the forgiveness of sins through His atoning sacrifice and the new life, cleansing, and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse calls us to remember the immense cost of our redemption and to embrace the full scope of God's grace. It reminds us that from Christ's wounded side flows everything necessary for our spiritual life and purification, inviting us to draw near to Him for justification and ongoing sanctification. It is a call to deep gratitude, humble worship, and a commitment to live lives that reflect the new life received through His sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Jesus' physical death, as confirmed in this verse, strengthen your faith in the resurrection?**
* **What does the symbolism of "blood and water" mean for your understanding of salvation and the ongoing work of Christ in your life?**
* **In what ways do you experience the cleansing and life-giving power of Christ's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit in your daily walk?**
* **How does contemplating the depth of Christ's suffering, even to the point of being pierced after death, deepen your appreciation for His love?**

### FAQ
**Why did the soldier pierce Jesus' side if He was already dead?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders requested Pilate to have the legs of the crucified broken to hasten their deaths, ensuring the bodies would be removed before the Sabbath, which was a "high day" ([John 19:31](/john/19-31 "John 19:31 - Request to Break Legs")). When the soldiers came to Jesus, they found Him already dead and therefore did not break His legs, fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy ([John 19:36](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Prophecy Fulfilled: No Broken Bones")). However, to definitively confirm His death and ensure there was no doubt or possibility of survival, one soldier performed this final act of piercing His side with a spear. This was a standard procedure to verify death in such circumstances, making any claims of His survival impossible and validating the reality of His subsequent resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The piercing of Jesus' side in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side") stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not only of Old Testament prophecy but also as a vivid demonstration of the comprehensive nature of His redemptive work. The outflow of "blood and water" from His wounded side is a powerful symbol of the new covenant established through His sacrifice. The blood unequivocally points to His atoning death, the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, echoing the need for blood for remission as seen in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission"). This sacrificial blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, as proclaimed in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by His Blood"). Simultaneously, the water symbolizes the life-giving Spirit and the spiritual cleansing that flows from Him, bringing regeneration and sanctification to believers. This aligns with Jesus' own teaching about "living water" in [John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water"), referring to the Spirit given to those who believe. Thus, from the very core of our crucified Savior, the twin streams of justification (through His blood) and sanctification (through the Spirit, symbolized by water) pour forth, providing everything necessary for humanity's reconciliation with God and entrance into new life in Christ, truly making Him the source of eternal salvation ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Source of Eternal Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 5:6

¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Zechariah 13:1

¶ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

1 John 5:8

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;