### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pleurá**, represented by `{{G4125}}`, refers to a rib or, by extension, the **side** of the body. Though its base meaning is anatomical, its limited use in scripture gives it a focused significance. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in narratives involving physical interaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{G4125}}` appears in two distinct contexts. In the book of Acts, an **angel** `{{G32}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` **smote** `{{G3960}}` Peter on the **side** `{{G4125}}` to rouse him from sleep in **prison** `{{G3612}}` [[Acts 12:7]]. The other four occurrences are in the Gospel of John, where the wound in Jesus's **side** is a central piece of evidence for His death and resurrection. A **soldier** `{{G4757}}` **pierced** `{{G3572}}` His **side** `{{G4125}}` with a **spear** `{{G3057}}`, resulting in an outflow of **blood** `{{G129}}` and **water** `{{G5204}}` [[John 19:34]]. After the resurrection, Jesus **shewed** `{{G1166}}` His hands and **side** `{{G4125}}` to the **disciples** `{{G3101}}` [[John 20:20]], and later invited Thomas to thrust his **hand** `{{G5495}}` into His **side** `{{G4125}}` to move from doubt to belief ([[John 20:25]], [[John 20:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding the use of **pleurá**:
* `{{G3572}}` **nýssō** (to prick, pierce): This verb describes the specific action taken by the **soldier** `{{G4757}}` against Jesus' **side** `{{G4125}}` on the cross [[John 19:34]].
* `{{G3057}}` **lónchē** (a "lance"): This noun identifies the weapon, a **spear**, used to **pierce** `{{G3572}}` Christ's **side** [[John 19:34]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): This substance, along with **water** `{{G5204}}`, **came there out** `{{G1831}}` from Jesus' pierced **side** `{{G4125}}`, confirming the physical reality of the event [[John 19:34]].
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): This word is crucial in the post-resurrection account where Thomas expresses his need to put his **hand** into Jesus' **side** `{{G4125}}` to **believe** `{{G4100}}` ([[John 20:25]], [[John 20:27]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4125}}` is concentrated in its connection to the person of Christ.
* **Proof of Death and Resurrection:** The wound in Jesus' **side** `{{G4125}}` serves as undeniable physical proof of His death. Its persistence on His resurrected body becomes a key piece of evidence for the disciples, confirming His bodily return ([[John 20:20]], [[John 20:27]]).
* **Catalyst for Faith:** For Thomas, the ability to see and touch the wound in Jesus' **side** `{{G4125}}` is the requested catalyst to move from doubt to belief. Jesus uses this physical sign to call him to be **believing** `{{G4103}}` [[John 20:27]].
* **A Recorded Sign:** The piercing of Christ's **side** `{{G4125}}` and the subsequent outflow of **blood** `{{G129}}` and **water** `{{G5204}}` is a significant event recorded as a factual detail of the crucifixion [[John 19:34]].
### Summary
In summary, **pleurá** `{{G4125}}` is a simple anatomical term for **side** that carries significant weight within the New Testament. While it describes a divine intervention in the life of Peter [[Acts 12:7]], it is most prominent as a tangible marker of Christ's sacrifice. The wound in His **side** serves not only as proof of his death but as a focal point for the disciples' belief in the risen **Lord** `{{G2962}}`, transforming a mark of execution into a sign of victory.
TRV