### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πλευρά (pleurá, `{{G4125}}`) primarily denotes a "rib," as in the bony structure of the chest. By extension, it also refers to the "side" of a body or, less commonly, the side of an object. The etymological affinity of πλευρά is noted as uncertain, suggesting its origin is not clearly traceable to other root words. However, its semantic range is clearly established through its usage in ancient Greek literature and, critically, in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament. In the LXX, πλευρά frequently translates the Hebrew word צֵלָע (tsela, `{{H6763}}`), which likewise carries the dual meaning of "rib" and "side." This strong translational equivalence underscores the consistent understanding of the term across linguistic traditions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, πλευρά appears four times, exclusively in the Gospel of John and the Book of Acts, each instance referring to a physical side of the human body.
1. **[[John 19:34]]**: "But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out." This is the most theologically potent usage. The piercing of Christ's side confirms His physical death and is a unique detail recorded by John, distinguishing it from the synoptic accounts of the crucifixion. The outflow of blood and water has been interpreted variously throughout church history, often seen as symbolic of the sacraments (Eucharist and Baptism) or the new covenant flowing from Christ.
2. **[[John 20:20]]**: "When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord."
3. **[[John 20:25]]**: "So the other disciples were saying to him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the imprint of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'"
These two verses describe the resurrected Jesus presenting His wounds, including the one in His side, as tangible proof of His identity and bodily resurrection. Thomas's demand to touch the wound in Jesus' side emphasizes the physical reality of the resurrection, countering any notion of a purely spiritual or phantom appearance. The continued presence of the wound serves as an identifying mark, connecting the crucified Christ with the risen Lord.
4. **[[Acts 12:7]]**: "And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And his chains fell off his hands." Here, πλευρά refers to Peter's physical side, which the angel touches to rouse him from sleep. This is a more literal and less symbolic usage, indicating a direct physical interaction.
Beyond the New Testament, the significance of πλευρά is deeply rooted in its LXX usage, particularly in the creation narrative of Genesis. In [[Genesis 2:21-22]], πλευρά translates צֵלָע (tsela, `{{H6763}}`) when God takes one of Adam's "ribs" to form Eve. This foundational narrative establishes the "rib" meaning and lays the groundwork for profound theological reflections on human origins and the relationship between man and woman.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew צֵלָע (tsela, `{{H6763}}`), which πλευρά consistently translates in the Septuagint. This connection is vital for understanding the full semantic scope and theological implications of the term, especially regarding the creation account.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical synonyms, include:
* **σῶμα (sōma, `{{G4983}}`)**: The broader term for "body," of which the side is a part. In the context of Christ's resurrection, the integrity of His *sōma* is affirmed by the presence of the wound in His *pleurá*.
* **αἷμα (haima, `{{G129}}`)** and **ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`)**: "Blood" and "water," which flowed from Jesus' side in [[John 19:34]], are intrinsically linked to the theological interpretations of this event.
* **χειρ (cheir, `{{G5495}}`)**: "Hand," particularly in the context of Thomas's desire to place his hand into Jesus' side, highlighting the tactile confirmation of the resurrection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλευρά is profound and multifaceted, drawing heavily from both its Old Testament (via LXX) and New Testament contexts.
1. **Creation and Human Relationship**: Through its translation of צֵלָע (tsela, `{{H6763}}`) in [[Genesis 2:21-22]], πλευρά underscores the intimate and complementary relationship between man and woman. Eve, formed from Adam's rib/side, is presented not as subordinate but as "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" ([[Genesis 2:23]]), signifying a unique partnership and co-humanity, reflecting divine intentionality in gender relations.
2. **Crucifixion and Atonement**: The piercing of Jesus' side on the cross ([[John 19:34]]) is a pivotal moment in the narrative of salvation. It serves as irrefutable proof of His death, fulfilling prophecy ([[Zechariah 12:10]]) and demonstrating the completeness of His sacrifice. The outflow of blood and water is often interpreted as symbolic of the new life and cleansing offered through Christ's atoning work, pointing to the sacraments of baptism and communion as channels of grace. It represents the source of the Church, born from the wounded side of Christ, much as Eve was formed from Adam's side.
3. **Resurrection and the Embodied Christ**: The persistent presence of the wound in Jesus' side after His resurrection ([[John 20:20]], [[John 20:25]]) is a critical theological affirmation. It refutes docetic or Gnostic views that would deny the physical reality of Christ's body or His resurrection. The wounds are not erased but transformed into glorious marks of identification, testifying to the continuity between the crucified and risen Lord. They confirm the tactile, tangible nature of the resurrected body, providing assurance of eternal life and future bodily resurrection for believers. The wounds in His side become a testament to His victory over death, a visible sign of His identity and the cost of redemption.
### Summary
πλευρά (pleurá, `{{G4125}}`) is a Greek noun primarily meaning "rib" and, by extension, "side." While its New Testament occurrences are limited to four instances, primarily in John's Gospel, its theological impact is immense. In the context of the crucifixion, the piercing of Jesus' side ([[John 19:34]]) serves as a profound symbol of His completed sacrifice and the source of the New Covenant, with the outflow of blood and water bearing rich sacramental and ecclesiological interpretations. In the resurrection narratives ([[John 20:20]], [[John 20:25]]), the wound in Christ's side stands as compelling evidence of His physical, bodily resurrection, affirming the reality of His victory over death and the tangible nature of His glorified body. Furthermore, through its consistent use in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew צֵלָע (tsela, {{H6763}}`) in the creation account of Genesis, πλευρά also contributes to the foundational understanding of human origins and the unique, complementary relationship between man and woman. Thus, from creation to redemption, πλευrά points to essential truths about God's design, Christ's work, and the nature of salvation.
TRV