King James Version

What Does John 19:37 Mean?

John 19:37 in the King James Version says “And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.” — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.”

John 19:37 · KJV

Context

35

And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

37

And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

38

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced (καὶ πάλιν ἑτέρα γραφὴ λέγει· Ὄψονται εἰς ὃν ἐξεκέντησαν, kai palin hetera graphē legei· Opsontai eis hon exekentēsan)—John cites Zechariah 12:10. The verb ὄψονται (opsontai, 'they shall look, gaze upon') combined with ἐξεκέντησαν (exekentēsan, 'they pierced') describes the spear thrust (19:34) but points beyond to eschatological fulfillment. Zechariah's prophecy has dual fulfillment: historical (the crucifixion) and future (Christ's second coming when all will see the One they pierced, Revelation 1:7).

This prophecy carries both judgment and grace. Those who 'pierced' Him—representing all sinners whose sins nailed Him there—will 'look upon' Him either in saving faith or condemning judgment. The same wounded Christ is both Savior and Judge. Zechariah 12:10 continues: 'they shall mourn for him'—mourning in repentance (Second Coming) or mourning in terror (final judgment).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah prophesied around 520-518 BC, 550 years before crucifixion was even invented by Phoenicians and adopted by Romans. The specific detail of 'piercing' (דָּקַר, daqar in Hebrew; ἐκκεντέω, ekkenteo in Greek) rather than generic 'killing' demonstrates prophetic precision only explicable by divine inspiration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zechariah's 'piercing' prophecy demonstrate supernatural foreknowledge of crucifixion method 550 years before its invention?
  2. What does it mean that all will 'look upon' the One they pierced—how does this apply both at conversion and final judgment?
  3. How should recognition that our sins 'pierced' Christ shape our understanding of personal accountability for His death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάλιν2 of 9

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἑτέρα3 of 9

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

γραφὴ4 of 9

“scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

λέγει5 of 9

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ὄψονται6 of 9

“They shall look”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

εἰς7 of 9

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὃν8 of 9

“him whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐξεκέντησαν9 of 9

“they pierced”

G1574

to transfix

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 19:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 19:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 12:10Revelation 1:7Psalms 22:16-17

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