### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb νύσσω (`{{G3572}}`, *nýssō*) fundamentally means "to prick," "to pierce," or "to stab." It conveys the action of a sharp instrument penetrating a surface. While the base definition includes "nudge," implying a lighter touch, the biblical usage strongly emphasizes a forceful and definitive penetration. The action denoted by *nýssō* is singular and conclusive, indicating a distinct act of piercing rather than a continuous or repetitive motion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *nýssō* appears only once in the New Testament, but this single occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[John 19:34]]**: "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and immediately blood and water came out."
* **Context:** This verse describes a crucial moment following Jesus' death on the cross. The Roman soldiers, having found Jesus already dead, chose not to break His legs (a common practice to hasten death for crucified individuals) but instead, one soldier used a *lonchē* (spear) to pierce His side.
* **Analysis:** Here, *nýssō* describes a violent and decisive act of penetration. The immediate outflow of blood and water is a detail of immense theological and symbolic importance. Historically, this outflow is often understood as evidence of a ruptured pericardium and pleura, confirming Jesus' physical death. Theologically, it is interpreted as a dual stream of salvation, representing the atoning sacrifice (blood) and the life-giving Spirit or cleansing (water), often linked to the sacraments of the Church. The act of piercing directly fulfills Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah's suffering and the non-breaking of His bones, as well as the specific prophecy of being pierced (e.g., [[Zechariah 12:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Greek Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* `{{G1570}}` *ekkeneteō*: This verb, meaning "to pierce through" or "to transfix," is a very close semantic parallel to *nýssō*. Notably, it is used in the Septuagint (LXX) translation of [[Zechariah 12:10]], which prophesies, "they will look on me, the one they have pierced" (*hon exekentēsan*). The use of *nýssō* in [[John 19:34]] is understood as the fulfillment of this prophecy, demonstrating a close conceptual link between the two terms in the New Testament's theological framework.
* `{{G5180}}` *typtō*: To strike or beat, a more general term for physical impact.
* `{{G3960}}` *patassō*: To strike or smite, similar to *typtō*.
* **Hebrew Parallels (Old Testament Prophecy):**
* `{{H1856}}` *dāqar*: This Hebrew verb, meaning "to pierce" or "to thrust through," is found in key messianic prophecies, most notably [[Zechariah 12:10]], which is directly quoted or alluded to in relation to Jesus' crucifixion. The action described by *nýssō* in the New Testament is the physical manifestation of this prophetic Hebrew term.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of *nýssō* in [[John 19:34]] carries profound theological weight in Christian doctrine:
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The piercing of Jesus' side directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly [[Zechariah 12:10]], which speaks of looking upon "him whom they have pierced." This validates Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and highlights God's meticulous plan of salvation.
* **Verification of Death and Humanity:** The act of piercing, along with the subsequent outflow of blood and water, confirmed Jesus' physical death. This detail is crucial for refuting any Docetic claims that Jesus only appeared to die and underscores the reality of His human suffering and sacrifice. It also ensured that His bones were not broken, fulfilling prophecies related to the Passover lamb (e.g., [[Exodus 12:46]], [[Numbers 9:12]], [[Psalm 34:20]]).
* **Source of Life and Salvation:** The blood and water flowing from Jesus' side are deeply symbolic. The **blood** represents the atoning sacrifice, the new covenant, and the forgiveness of sins (e.g., [[Hebrews 9:22]], [[1 John 1:7]]). The **water** symbolizes spiritual cleansing, new birth, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life (e.g., [[John 3:5]], [[John 4:10]], [[John 7:38-39]]). Together, they are often understood as the origin of the Church's sacraments (Baptism and Eucharist) and the wellspring of spiritual life for believers, flowing from Christ's completed redemptive work.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Even in this brutal act by a Roman soldier, God's sovereign plan is manifest. Every detail, including the specific manner of Jesus' death, was orchestrated to fulfill prophetic scripture and accomplish salvation.
### Summary
The Greek verb *nýssō* (`{{G3572}}`) signifies "to prick" or "to pierce." Its sole, yet profoundly significant, New Testament appearance is in [[John 19:34]], describing the Roman soldier's act of piercing Jesus' side with a spear after His death on the cross. This singular event is critical for several theological reasons: it directly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, particularly [[Zechariah 12:10]] (which uses the related term `{{G1570}}` *ekkeneteō*), confirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Furthermore, the piercing verified Jesus' physical death, countering any Gnostic or Docetic heresies, and the outflow of blood and water from His side is a rich theological symbol, signifying the atoning sacrifice and the life-giving Spirit, often seen as the source of the Church's sacraments and the spiritual life of believers. Thus, *nýssō* points to a pivotal moment in redemptive history, underscoring God's precise and sovereign plan for salvation through Christ's complete work on the cross.
TRV