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.
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).
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).
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.
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