### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekkentéō (`{{G1574}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and kentron (`{{G2759}}`), which refers to a "sharp point," "goad," or "sting." Etymologically, it signifies "to pierce out," "to stab through," or "to transfix completely." The prefix ek intensifies the action, suggesting a penetration that goes all the way through, not merely a superficial wound. The base meaning, therefore, is to "pierce" or "transfix" with a sharp instrument, implying a forceful and decisive action that results in a complete penetration. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focused almost exclusively on this intense act of piercing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ekkentéō (`{{G1574}}`) appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, both times in profound theological contexts, quoting the same Old Testament prophecy from [[Zechariah 12:10]] (LXX).
1. **[[John 19:37]]**: "And again another Scripture says, 'They shall look on Him whom they pierced.'" This citation directly refers to the crucifixion of Jesus. Following the account of the soldier piercing Jesus' side with a spear ([[John 19:34]], using nyssō `{{G3582}}`), the evangelist John quotes the Septuagint version of [[Zechariah 12:10]]. The use of ekkentéō here emphasizes the direct and violent act of piercing the Messiah, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy concerning His suffering and death. The piercing of His side, from which blood and water flowed, is presented as a definitive sign of His actual death and the complete outpouring of His life, crucial for the doctrine of atonement.
2. **[[Revelation 1:7]]**: "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." Here, ekkentéō again directly quotes [[Zechariah 12:10]], but its application shifts to the Second Coming of Christ. This verse powerfully connects the past act of piercing Christ during His first advent (the crucifixion) with His future return in glory. It suggests that those who were historically responsible for His suffering, or those who represent humanity's rejection of Him, will witness His triumphant return and experience a profound, possibly repentant, mourning. The continuity of the "piercing" imagery underscores the identity of the returning Christ as the one who was crucified.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **νύσσω (nyssō, `{{G3582}}`)**: Used in [[John 19:34]] to describe the soldier's act of piercing Jesus' side with a spear. While nyssō is a general term for "to pierce" or "to prick," ekkentéō (`{{G1574}}`) in [[John 19:37]] carries the specific weight of prophetic fulfillment, being a direct quotation from the LXX. Ekkentéō emphasizes the *prophetic significance* of the act, whereas nyssō describes the *physical action*.
2. **κέντρον (kentron, `{{G2759}}`)**: The root noun from which ekkentéō is derived, meaning "a sharp point," "goad," or "sting." This reinforces the literal nature of the piercing action.
3. **Hebrew דָּקַר (dāqar, `{{H1856}}`)**: This is the Hebrew verb in [[Zechariah 12:10]] translated by ekkentéō in the Septuagint. Dāqar means "to pierce, thrust through, stab." The choice of ekkentéō by the LXX translators accurately captures the intensity and finality of the Hebrew term, signifying a fatal or deeply wounding penetration.
4. **Concepts**: The word ekkentéō is intrinsically linked to the concepts of **prophetic fulfillment**, **atonement**, **suffering of the Messiah**, **crucifixion**, **divine judgment**, and **the Second Coming of Christ**.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ekkentéō (`{{G1574}}`) is profound, primarily due to its unique occurrences and prophetic weight:
1. **Atoning Sacrifice**: The piercing of Christ's side, referenced by ekkentéō, is a pivotal moment in the crucifixion. It confirms His death, essential for the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. The outflow of blood and water is often interpreted as symbolic of the life and cleansing provided through Christ's death, foundational to Christian theology.
2. **Prophetic Veracity**: The precise fulfillment of [[Zechariah 12:10]] in the death of Jesus, as attested by John, underscores the divine inspiration and reliability of Old Testament prophecy. It demonstrates that the events of Christ's life and death were not random but part of God's predetermined plan for salvation.
3. **Identity of the Messiah**: The one "pierced" is unequivocally identified as the Lord (YHWH in Zechariah, Christ in John and Revelation). This underscores the deity of Christ, as the one who was humiliated and suffered is the same divine figure who will return in glory.
4. **Future Judgment and Repentance**: The reiteration of "those who pierced Him" in [[Revelation 1:7]] serves as a powerful reminder of accountability. It points to a future day when all humanity, including those responsible for Christ's suffering, will behold Him. This vision is meant to evoke mourning and repentance, aligning with the context of [[Zechariah 12:10]] which speaks of a spirit of grace and supplication leading to national mourning.
5. **Continuity of Redemptive History**: Ekkentéō bridges the gap between Christ's first coming (humiliation, suffering, atonement) and His second coming (glory, judgment, vindication), presenting a unified narrative of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek verb ekkentéō (`{{G1574}}`), meaning "to pierce through" or "to transfix," is a word of intense action and profound theological significance. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, both instances are direct quotations of [[Zechariah 12:10]] (LXX). In [[John 19:37]], it underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the crucifixion of Jesus, specifically the piercing of His side, which confirmed His death and the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. In [[Revelation 1:7]], ekkentéō extends this prophecy to Christ's glorious Second Coming, where "those who pierced Him" will witness His return, prompting a global reckoning. Thus, ekkentéō serves as a powerful linguistic bridge connecting the historical suffering of the Messiah with His future triumph, highlighting the veracity of Scripture, the depth of Christ's sacrifice, and the certainty of divine judgment and ultimate redemption.
TRV