John 19:34
What does John 19:34 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:34 means
Despite finding Jesus already dead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear. Immediately, blood and water flowed out. This detail is crucial for several reasons: it confirms Jesus' physical death beyond doubt, refutes any notion of a swoon, and carries profound theological significance. The outflow of blood and water is seen by many as symbolizing the sacraments of the Church (Eucharist and Baptism) and the cleansing and life-giving power flowing from Christ's sacrifice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But one of the men made a wound in his side with a spear, and straight away there came out blood and water.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but one of the soldiers with a spear did pierce his side, and immediately there came forth blood and water;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side: and immediately there came out blood and water.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water.
Context
This verse describes a soldier piercing Jesus' side and the subsequent outflow of blood and water, immediately following the discovery that Jesus was already dead. This action provides undeniable proof of His death and holds deep theological symbolism. This specific event then serves as a crucial eyewitness account, validating the truth of John's testimony and leading directly to the explicit declarations of prophetic fulfillment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- Revelation 7:14
And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
- Ezekiel 36:25
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
- Psalms 51:7
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
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