And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy speaks of "Jehovah" being pierced, yet John quotes it as referring to Jesus. This highlights the audacious claim that Jesus is not just a man, but God Himself, wounded by humanity's actions. It's a profound statement about His divinity woven into the brutal reality of the crucifixion.
And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' death and the soldiers' decision not to break his legs, one soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear. John emphasizes this event, noting the blood and water that flowed out, and then connects it to two Old Testament prophecies. He highlights that these actions, seemingly random and cruel, were divinely orchestrated to fulfill Scripture, proving Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.
Did those who pierced Jesus know they were fulfilling ancient prophecies? John highlights how even the most brutal acts served God's ultimate plan.
Divine Providence at Play
John emphasizes that the events surrounding Jesus' death weren't random.
The prophecy from Zechariah uses a powerful phrase: 'They will look on Me whom they have pierced.' How does John apply this to Jesus?
Divine Identity Revealed
This verse is a profound declaration of Jesus' divine nature.
Ask a follow-up
Who is looking at the pierced Jesus, and what does their gaze signify? John points to a future reckoning.
A Future Revelation
The act of looking at the pierced Christ carries significant implications.
Understand the original words
ekkenteō · Greek Verb
To be stabbed, pricked, or wounded with a sharp object. Prophetically, it refers to the violent physical death of the Messiah, often associated with his suffering on behalf of others.
John's citation of Zechariah shows that even the soldiers' actions, seemingly random violence, were part of God's plan, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating that Jesus is God, pierced by humanity's sin.
c. 520 BC
Zechariah's Ministry
The prophet Zechariah delivers visions and oracles encouraging the post-exilic Jewish community to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 518 BC
Zechariah Prophesies
In Zechariah 12:10, the prophet foretells a time when Jerusalem will be attacked and the people will mourn, looking to God whom they have pierced.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman soldiers. To hasten his death, the soldiers break the legs of the two thieves crucified with him, but find Jesus already dead.
c. AD 30
Soldier Pierces Jesus' Side
A Roman soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear, from which blood and water flow. This act, though likely intended to confirm death, fulfills prophecy.
c. AD 30
Jews Request Removal of Bodies
The Jewish leaders, concerned about bodies remaining on crosses during the Sabbath (which was also a high feast day), ask Pilate to have the legs broken and bodies removed.
c. AD 90-100
Gospel of John Written
The Apostle John writes his Gospel, including the account of Jesus' crucifixion and his direct citation of Zechariah 12:10 to describe the piercing of Jesus.
This is the direct Old Testament prophecy John quotes, revealing God's foreknowledge of Christ's suffering and the piercing of his side. It highlights that even in His suffering, Jesus is identified as God, who is wounded by His people.
Psalm 22:16This psalm, which Jesus quoted from the cross, speaks of His hands and feet being pierced, painting a vivid picture of the crucifixion and fulfilling prophecy in a similar way to the verse in John.
Revelation 1:7This passage in Revelation echoes John's Gospel and the Zechariah prophecy by stating that 'every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.' It broadens the scope of this piercing to a final, universal revelation of Christ.
1 John 5:6John connects the blood and water that flowed from Jesus' pierced side to His coming through water and blood. This emphasizes the reality of Christ's sacrifice, offering both cleansing and atonement.
barnesJohn 19:37: "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."
Another' scripture - Zechariah 12:10 . We must here be struck with the wonderful providence of God, that so many scriptures were fulfilled in his death. All these things happened without any such design on the part of the men engaged in these scenes; but whatever was done by Jew or Gentile tended to the fulfillment of prophecies long on record, and with which the Jews themselves ought to have been familia…
ellicottJohn 19:37: "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."
(37) They shall look on him whom they pierced. —The words, as they occur in the Authorised version, of the prophecy are, “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced,” but the reading which St. John has followed is that of many MSS., and is adopted by many Rabbinic (as Rashi and Kimchi) and many modern authorities (as Ewald and Geiger). The Greek translation (LXX.) of the prophet avoided the strong wor…
The prophecy speaks of "Jehovah" being pierced, yet John quotes it as referring to Jesus. This highlights the audacious claim that Jesus is not just a man, but God Himself, wounded by humanity's actions. It's a profound statement about His divinity woven into the brutal reality of the crucifixion.
Following Jesus' death and the soldiers' decision not to break his legs, one soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear. John emphasizes this event, noting the blood and water that flowed out, and then connects it to two Old Testament prophecies. He highlights that these actions, seemingly random and cruel, were divinely orchestrated to fulfill Scripture, proving Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.
Following Jesus' death and the soldiers' decision not to break his legs, one soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear. John emphasizes this event, noting the blood and water that flowed out, and then connects it to two Old Testament prophecies. He highlights that these actions, seemingly random and cruel, were divinely orchestrated to fulfill Scripture, proving Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.
"And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”" — The prophecy speaks of "Jehovah" being pierced, yet John quotes it as referring to Jesus. This highlights the audacious claim that Jesus is not just a man, but God Himself, wounded by humanity's acti…
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Last reviewed October 2026