John 19:37
What does John 19:37 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:37 means
John further points to another scripture that was fulfilled: "They shall look on him whom they pierced." This prophecy, taken from Zechariah 12:10, speaks of a future time when Israel will mourn for the one they pierced. Its immediate fulfillment here, in the soldier piercing Jesus' side, highlights the Messianic identification. This verse underscores the divine foreknowledge woven throughout the Old Testament, pointing to Jesus' identity and the profound impact of His suffering and death on all humanity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And again another verse says, They will see him who was wounded by their spears.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and again another Writing saith, `They shall look to him whom they did pierce.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And again another scripture saith: They shall look on him whom they pierced.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And again another scripture says, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
Context
This verse continues the theme of prophetic fulfillment, drawing attention to Zechariah 12:10, which speaks of looking upon the one who was pierced. This follows the declaration in verse 36 about Jesus' unbroken bones. These dual fulfillments transition the narrative to the post-crucifixion events, specifically the respectful burial of Jesus by two secret disciples, ensuring His body is laid to rest according to custom.
v.36For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
v.37This passage
v.38And after these things Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Revelation 1:7
Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen.
- Psalms 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
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