John 19:37

John 19:37 (KJV) states, "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced." This powerful verse is quoted by the Apostle John as a profound fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse appears immediately after the account of a Roman soldier piercing Jesus' side with a spear (John 19:34) to confirm His death on the cross. John, as an eyewitness, meticulously records these details not just for historical accuracy but to underscore that even in death, Jesus' suffering and the events surrounding it were not random but part of a divine plan foretold centuries earlier. The act of piercing, while a brutal reality of the crucifixion, held deep prophetic significance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The most prominent theme is the miraculous and precise fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah. John cites this scripture to emphasize that Jesus' death, though seemingly a defeat, was precisely what God had planned and revealed through His prophets, validating Jesus' identity as the promised Christ.
• The Pierced Messiah: The phrase "whom they pierced" directly points to the violent nature of the crucifixion and the suffering Christ endured for humanity. It identifies Jesus as the very one spoken of in the Old Testament who would be wounded and pierced for the transgressions of others.
• Future Recognition and Repentance: While initially fulfilled by the act of piercing at the cross, the prophecy primarily drawn from Zechariah 12:10 also carries a future dimension. It points to a time when Israel and the nations will "look upon me whom they have pierced" and mourn in repentance. This future spiritual awakening and acknowledgment of Jesus' identity is also echoed in the New Testament, particularly concerning Christ's glorious return in Revelation 1:7, where "every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him."

Linguistic Insights

The primary Old Testament source for John's quote is Zechariah 12:10. The original Hebrew word for "pierced" in Zechariah is daqar (דָּקַר), which means to pierce through, thrust through, or slay. The Greek word used in John 19:37 (and found in the Septuagint translation of Zechariah 12:10) is ekkeneteō (ἐκκεντέω), conveying the same strong sense of a violent, penetrating wound. This precise choice of words underscores the severity of the act and its profound prophetic import, highlighting the depth of Jesus' suffering.

Practical Application

John 19:37 offers powerful assurance that God's sovereign plan is meticulously unfolded, even through seemingly tragic or chaotic events. It encourages believers to trust in God's unfailing Word and the truth of His prophecies. For those who encounter this verse, it serves as a profound reminder of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the one who bore humanity's sins through His suffering. It calls for a response of repentance and faith, urging individuals to "look on Him whom they pierced" with eyes of understanding and gratitude for the immense sacrifice made for their salvation. It also instills hope for a future day when all will acknowledge His unique identity and redemptive work.