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John 19:34
Verse
Context
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
33But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.35The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
With a spear pierced his side - The soldier who pierced our Lord's side has been called by the Roman Catholic writers Longinus, which seems to be a corruption of λογχη, lonche, a spear or dart, the word in the text. They moreover tell us that this man was converted - that it was he who said, Truly this was the Son of God - that he traveled into Cappadocia, and there preached the Gospel of Christ, and received the crown of martyrdom. But this deserves the same credit as the other legends of the Popish Church. Whether it was the right or the left side of Christ that was pierced has been a matter of serious discussion among divines and physicians; and on this subject they are not yet agreed. That it is of no importance we are sure, because the Holy Ghost has not revealed it. Luke Cranache, a famous painter, whose piece of the crucifixion is at Augsburg, has put no wound on either side: when he was asked the reason of this - I will do it, said he, when I am informed Which side was pierced. Blood and water - It may be naturally supposed that the spear went through the pericardium and pierced the heart; that the water proceeded from the former, and the blood from the latter. Ambrose, Augustin, and Chrysostom, make the blood an emblem of the eucharist, and the water an emblem of baptism. Others represent them as the emblems of the old and new covenants. Protestants have thought them the emblems of justification, which is through the blood of the Lamb, and sanctification, which is through the washing of regeneration; and it is in reference to the first notion that they mingle the wine with water in the sacrament of the Lord's supper. The piercing appears to have taken place because his legs were not broken; and, as the law in this case stated that the criminals were to continue on the cross till they died, the side of our Lord was pierced to secure the accomplishment of the law; and the issuing of the blood and water appears to be only a natural effect of the above cause, and probably nothing mystical or spiritual was intended by it. However, it affords the fullest proof that Jesus died for our sins. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that there is a reference here to the rock in the wilderness which Moses smote twice, and which, according to the Jews, Shemoth Rabba, fol. 122, "poured out blood at the first stroke, and water at the second." Now St. Paul says, Co1 10:4, That rock was Christ; and here the evangelist says, the soldier pierced his side, and there came out blood and water. St. John therefore, in what he asserts in the 35th and 36th verses, wishes to call the attention of the Jews to this point, in order to show them that this Jesus was the true Messiah, who was typified by the rock in the wilderness. He knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But one of the soldiers--to make assurance of the fact doubly sure. with a spear pierced his side--making a wound deep and wide, as indeed is plain from Joh 20:27, Joh 20:29. Had life still remained, it must have fled now. and forthwith came thereout blood and water--"It is now well known that the effect of long-continued and intense agony is frequently to produce a secretion of a colorless lymph within the pericardium (the membrane enveloping the heart), amounting in many cases to a very considerable quantity" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But one of the soldiers,.... Whose name some pretend to say was Longinns, and so called from the spear with which he pierced Christ: with a spear pierced his side; his left side, where the heart lies; though the painters make this wound on the right, and the Arabic version of Erpenius, as cited by Dr. Lightfoot, adds the word "right" to make the miracle the greater: this the soldier did, partly out of spite to Christ, and partly to know whether he was really dead; and which was so ordered by divine providence, that it might beyond all doubt appear that he really died, and was not taken down alive from the cross; so that there might be no room to call in question the truth of his resurrection, when he should appear alive again: and forthwith came there out blood and water; this is accounted for in a natural way by the piercing of the "pericardium", which contains a small quantity of water about the heart, and which being pierced, a person, if alive, must inevitably die; but it seems rather to be something supernatural, from the asseverations the evangelist makes. This water and blood some make to signify baptism and the Lord's supper, which are both of Christ's appointing, and spring from him, and refer to his sufferings and death; rather they signify the blessings of sanctification and justification, the grace of the one being represented by water, as it frequently is in the Old and New Testament, and the other by blood, and both from Christ: that Christ was the antitype of the rock in the wilderness, the apostle assures us, in Co1 10:4 and if the Jews are to be believed, he was so in this instance; Jonathan ben Uzziel, in his Targum on Num 20:11 says that "Moses smote the rock twice, at the first time , "blood dropped out": and at the second time abundance of waters flowed out.'' The same is affirmed by others (h) elsewhere in much the same words and order. (h) Shemot Rabba, sect. 3. fol. 94. 1. Zohar in Num. fol. 102. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:34 To confirm that Jesus was dead, a Roman soldier pierced his side with a spear. • blood and water flowed out: This has several levels of meaning: (1) The spear probably punctured Jesus’ pericardium, the sac around the heart, releasing these fluids. (2) John might have been thinking of more Passover symbolism. The Passover lamb’s blood had to flow as it died. (3) The water flowing from Jesus’ side reminds readers of the language of living water that Jesus had used earlier (see 4:10-14; 7:37-39).
John 19:34
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
33But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.35The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cranbrook 1993 May the Lamb Receive His Reward (10-5-93 Tape 1)
By George Warnock2.9K1:13:32Lamb Of GodGEN 3:15MAT 6:33JHN 19:341CO 1:171CO 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the stumbling and falling of people when it comes to recognizing the ultimate sign of God's power, which is the death of Jesus on the cross. The Greeks pursued wisdom and considered the crucifixion to be foolishness. The speaker also shares the story of two young men who sold themselves as slaves in order to become missionaries on a remote island. The sermon emphasizes the significance of the cross and the victory it brings, as well as the importance of Christ receiving the full reward of His sufferings.
Jesus Is Coming Again
By Chuck Smith1.6K32:17PSA 22:18ISA 53:3DAN 7:13MAT 24:30JHN 3:16JHN 19:34REV 1:5REV 19:16This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the blessings that come from studying its prophecies. It explores the diverse prophecies regarding the Messiah's first and second comings, highlighting the importance of recognizing Jesus as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the imminent return of Jesus, urging listeners to choose to be among those who rejoice at His coming.
Jesus Died of a Broken Heart
By Danny Bond1.6K39:10God's HeartISA 53:6MAT 16:26JHN 19:34ROM 8:32In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the love of God through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He explains that the blood and water that came out when Jesus was pierced on the cross is a direct reaction to bearing the sins and hell of humanity. The preacher emphasizes that there is no other way to salvation except through the blood of Jesus. He urges listeners to study the facts of the crucifixion and not let Christianity become a mere philosophy, but rather a personal understanding of God's love and sacrifice.
Beautiful Feet
By Paul Hattaway1.2K00:00JHN 19:34ROM 5:8EPH 1:71JN 1:7REV 7:14This sermon reflects on the profound sacrifice and redemption found in Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing the transformative power of His blood to purify and wash away sin. It invites listeners to kneel before the cross, be cleansed in the fountain of grace, and experience restoration and justification through Jesus' sacrifice. The message celebrates the beauty and scandal of that fateful night when salvation was secured for all who believe.
Gospel of John (2nd Yr Study 17 of 19, Chap19)
By G.W. North14059:58Christian LifeMAT 3:17MAT 27:35MRK 15:24JHN 3:7JHN 19:34JHN 21:241JN 5:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the path of Jesus and fully committing to Him. The preacher highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, specifically focusing on the moment when a soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood and water flowed out. The preacher encourages listeners to understand the depth of God's love and to live their lives as a fulfillment of scripture. The sermon concludes with a reminder to share the Gospel with others and to recognize Jesus as the true King.
Christ's Need
By Erlo Stegen0The Church as Christ's BrideCompanionshipGEN 2:18JHN 19:34EPH 5:31REV 19:7Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of companionship as illustrated in the creation of Eve from Adam's rib, highlighting that just as Adam needed a suitable helper, we too need Christ in our lives. He draws parallels between Adam and Jesus, noting that Adam's deep sleep and the creation of Eve foreshadow Christ's sacrifice and the birth of the Church. Stegen urges believers to recognize their identity as the bride of Christ, prepared for Him, and to prioritize their relationship with Him over worldly pursuits. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are fulfilling Christ's needs and being His helpmeet in their lives.
The Wounds of Christ
By Russell DeLong0PSA 22:1ISA 53:5MAT 27:46JHN 19:34Russell DeLong delves into the profound suffering that Jesus endured in His final hours, experiencing every known kind of pain - physical, mental, and spiritual - as He paid the ultimate penalty for all the sins of humanity. Jesus suffered bodily wounds including concussion, laceration, penetration, perforation, and incision, with His mental anguish of loneliness, misunderstanding, and rejection being equally intense. His spiritual suffering, bearing the weight of all sins, was the most agonizing, leading to His heartbreak and the outpouring of blood and water. Through His excruciating pain, Jesus demonstrated unparalleled love and sacrifice for all.
1 John 5:6
By John Gill0The Manifestation of ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritMAT 3:17JHN 1:29JHN 14:17JHN 16:13JHN 19:34ACT 5:32ROM 1:4HEB 9:121JN 1:71JN 5:6John Gill expounds on 1 John 5:6, emphasizing that Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, signifying His baptism and sacrificial death. He clarifies that the 'water' refers to the ordinance of baptism, which revealed Christ as the Son of God, while the 'blood' signifies His atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins. Gill highlights that Christ's manifestation as the Son of God was evident not only at His baptism but also at His crucifixion, where His blood cleanses from sin. The sermon also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit as a witness to Christ's divine nature and truth. Ultimately, Gill underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the embodiment of truth through the Spirit.
The Measure of Sin
By Arthur John Gossip0MAT 10:38JHN 19:34ROM 5:8EPH 3:18Arthur John Gossip emphasizes the importance of taking up our cross and following Jesus, highlighting the deep impact of sin on God as seen through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He urges listeners to truly understand the gravity of sin by looking at the suffering of Jesus and to be filled with a sense of loathing for sin. Gossip also challenges believers to grasp the vastness and depth of God's love, encouraging them to stop limiting and measuring it with human standards, but instead to allow God's love to overflow and transform their lives.
Looking to the Pierced One.
By Horatius Bonar0The Cross of ChristGenuine RepentancePSA 22:16ISA 53:5ZEC 12:10JHN 19:34ACT 2:37ROM 5:82CO 7:10HEB 12:21PE 2:24REV 1:7Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of the 'pierced one,' Jesus Christ, who was crucified for humanity's sins. He discusses the roles of the piercers, including both Jews and Gentiles, and highlights that all of humanity shares in the guilt of His crucifixion. Bonar explains that true mourning comes from looking upon the pierced one, which leads to genuine sorrow produced by the Holy Spirit. This sorrow is deep and transformative, stemming from recognizing Christ's infinite love, our rejection of it, and the suffering He endured for us. Ultimately, Bonar calls for believers to look to Jesus for salvation and healing.
Jesus' Burial John 19:31-42; Matthew 27:62-66
By David Servant0JHN 19:34David Servant delves into the detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the excruciating physical suffering He endured, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the authentication of His resurrection through historical evidence. The refusal to break Jesus' bones, the piercing of His side, and the guarding of His tomb all play a significant role in confirming Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, despite the attempts to discredit His resurrection. The events of Good Friday, though initially tragic, ultimately lead to the greatest act of love and redemption for humanity through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
Jesus Died as a Lamb to the Slaughter
By William MacDonald0Sacrifice of ChristInnocence and PurityISA 53:4ISA 53:7MAT 27:35JHN 1:29JHN 19:34ROM 5:8HEB 9:141PE 1:191JN 3:16REV 5:12William MacDonald reflects on the profound imagery of Jesus as the Lamb led to slaughter, drawing parallels between the innocence of a lamb and the purity of Christ. He describes the emotional impact of witnessing a lamb's death, emphasizing its helplessness and the sorrow it evokes. MacDonald then transitions to the crucifixion of Jesus, portraying Him as the ultimate Lamb of God, innocent and holy, who suffers for the sins of humanity. The sermon culminates in a heartfelt expression of gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the personal connection and love believers have for Him. The message serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Christ's love and the significance of His sacrifice.
Healed by His Stripes
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 46:4PSA 103:3ISA 53:5MRK 2:5LUK 9:2JHN 19:34ACT 8:81JN 5:6REV 22:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the significance of the River of God that flows throughout the Bible, symbolizing forgiveness and healing through water and blood. From Eden to Revelation, the River represents God's continuous presence and provision for humanity. Jesus is revealed as the ultimate source of this River, offering not just physical healing but spiritual restoration through His blood shed on the Cross. Believers are encouraged to follow the signs of healing to the source of forgiveness at Calvary, where the blood and water flowed from Jesus' side, bringing redemption and healing to all who believe.
Infinite Grief! Amazing Woe!
By Isaac Watts0PSA 51:17ISA 53:5MAT 27:29JHN 19:34Isaac Watts delves into the infinite grief and amazing woe of Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the collaboration of Hell, the Jews, and the Romans in His death. He vividly describes the excruciating pain and suffering that Jesus endured, attributing the ultimate cause to the weight of humanity's sins and unbelief. Watts calls for deep repentance and a breaking of the heart in response to the realization of our sins' role in Christ's crucifixion.
The Pierced One
By H.J. Vine0PSA 103:1ZEC 12:10JHN 19:34REV 1:7H.J. Vine preaches about the atoning value of Jesus' precious blood, leading believers to rejoice and praise Him as their Lord and Redeemer. Zechariah and John prophesied about Jesus' sufferings and His second coming, emphasizing how He was pierced for our sins. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus, as Jehovah the Saviour, was pierced for us, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His divinity. The sermon calls for adoration and praise to the Almighty God, who is the Alpha and Omega, the one who was, is, and is to come.
Micah 5:1
By Chuck Smith0ProphecyThe Suffering MessiahPSA 22:18ISA 53:5ISA 53:9MIC 5:1ZEC 12:10MAT 27:39LUK 23:34JHN 19:341CO 15:31PE 1:19Chuck Smith emphasizes the prophetic significance of Micah 5:1, which foretells the suffering of the Messiah, highlighting how the events of Jesus' crucifixion were predetermined by God. He explains that the smiting of the Judge of Israel was not an accident but part of God's plan to reveal His love for humanity. Smith references various prophecies from the Old Testament that align with the New Testament accounts of Jesus' suffering, betrayal, and death, illustrating the fulfillment of scripture through these events. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the prophesied Messiah and the depth of His sacrifice for our sins.
An Ever-Increasing Outpouring
By David Wilkerson0Holy SpiritLast DaysEZK 47:3EZK 47:10JHN 7:38JHN 19:34David Wilkerson emphasizes that in the last days, the church will experience an unprecedented outpouring of the Holy Spirit, becoming more glorious and victorious than ever before. He draws from Ezekiel's vision of rising waters, symbolizing the increasing presence of God among His people, culminating in a powerful revelation of Jesus. Wilkerson explains that this river of life, originating from the cross, will empower believers to swim in the depths of God's glory. He encourages Christians to anticipate a greater experience of Christ's presence, which will surpass anything they have known. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to prepare for the overwhelming blessings and revelations that are to come.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
With a spear pierced his side - The soldier who pierced our Lord's side has been called by the Roman Catholic writers Longinus, which seems to be a corruption of λογχη, lonche, a spear or dart, the word in the text. They moreover tell us that this man was converted - that it was he who said, Truly this was the Son of God - that he traveled into Cappadocia, and there preached the Gospel of Christ, and received the crown of martyrdom. But this deserves the same credit as the other legends of the Popish Church. Whether it was the right or the left side of Christ that was pierced has been a matter of serious discussion among divines and physicians; and on this subject they are not yet agreed. That it is of no importance we are sure, because the Holy Ghost has not revealed it. Luke Cranache, a famous painter, whose piece of the crucifixion is at Augsburg, has put no wound on either side: when he was asked the reason of this - I will do it, said he, when I am informed Which side was pierced. Blood and water - It may be naturally supposed that the spear went through the pericardium and pierced the heart; that the water proceeded from the former, and the blood from the latter. Ambrose, Augustin, and Chrysostom, make the blood an emblem of the eucharist, and the water an emblem of baptism. Others represent them as the emblems of the old and new covenants. Protestants have thought them the emblems of justification, which is through the blood of the Lamb, and sanctification, which is through the washing of regeneration; and it is in reference to the first notion that they mingle the wine with water in the sacrament of the Lord's supper. The piercing appears to have taken place because his legs were not broken; and, as the law in this case stated that the criminals were to continue on the cross till they died, the side of our Lord was pierced to secure the accomplishment of the law; and the issuing of the blood and water appears to be only a natural effect of the above cause, and probably nothing mystical or spiritual was intended by it. However, it affords the fullest proof that Jesus died for our sins. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that there is a reference here to the rock in the wilderness which Moses smote twice, and which, according to the Jews, Shemoth Rabba, fol. 122, "poured out blood at the first stroke, and water at the second." Now St. Paul says, Co1 10:4, That rock was Christ; and here the evangelist says, the soldier pierced his side, and there came out blood and water. St. John therefore, in what he asserts in the 35th and 36th verses, wishes to call the attention of the Jews to this point, in order to show them that this Jesus was the true Messiah, who was typified by the rock in the wilderness. He knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But one of the soldiers--to make assurance of the fact doubly sure. with a spear pierced his side--making a wound deep and wide, as indeed is plain from Joh 20:27, Joh 20:29. Had life still remained, it must have fled now. and forthwith came thereout blood and water--"It is now well known that the effect of long-continued and intense agony is frequently to produce a secretion of a colorless lymph within the pericardium (the membrane enveloping the heart), amounting in many cases to a very considerable quantity" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But one of the soldiers,.... Whose name some pretend to say was Longinns, and so called from the spear with which he pierced Christ: with a spear pierced his side; his left side, where the heart lies; though the painters make this wound on the right, and the Arabic version of Erpenius, as cited by Dr. Lightfoot, adds the word "right" to make the miracle the greater: this the soldier did, partly out of spite to Christ, and partly to know whether he was really dead; and which was so ordered by divine providence, that it might beyond all doubt appear that he really died, and was not taken down alive from the cross; so that there might be no room to call in question the truth of his resurrection, when he should appear alive again: and forthwith came there out blood and water; this is accounted for in a natural way by the piercing of the "pericardium", which contains a small quantity of water about the heart, and which being pierced, a person, if alive, must inevitably die; but it seems rather to be something supernatural, from the asseverations the evangelist makes. This water and blood some make to signify baptism and the Lord's supper, which are both of Christ's appointing, and spring from him, and refer to his sufferings and death; rather they signify the blessings of sanctification and justification, the grace of the one being represented by water, as it frequently is in the Old and New Testament, and the other by blood, and both from Christ: that Christ was the antitype of the rock in the wilderness, the apostle assures us, in Co1 10:4 and if the Jews are to be believed, he was so in this instance; Jonathan ben Uzziel, in his Targum on Num 20:11 says that "Moses smote the rock twice, at the first time , "blood dropped out": and at the second time abundance of waters flowed out.'' The same is affirmed by others (h) elsewhere in much the same words and order. (h) Shemot Rabba, sect. 3. fol. 94. 1. Zohar in Num. fol. 102. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:34 To confirm that Jesus was dead, a Roman soldier pierced his side with a spear. • blood and water flowed out: This has several levels of meaning: (1) The spear probably punctured Jesus’ pericardium, the sac around the heart, releasing these fluids. (2) John might have been thinking of more Passover symbolism. The Passover lamb’s blood had to flow as it died. (3) The water flowing from Jesus’ side reminds readers of the language of living water that Jesus had used earlier (see 4:10-14; 7:37-39).