New Testament · Gospel

John 19:37

The Cross

And, as another Scripture says: “They will look on the One they have pierced.” John 19:37 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

John 19:37, in plain English

Another prophecy is fulfilled: 'They will look on the One they have pierced.' The pierced side of Jesus was foretold centuries before it happened.

Why it's here

Zechariah predicted this moment hundreds of years earlier. One day everyone will look on the One who was pierced and understand what happened on this day.

Who's speaking

John cites another fulfilled prophecy.

Where it sits in the story

One more prophecy falls into place. The pierced side of Jesus wasn't random—it was foretold. And the day is coming when all eyes will look on the One they pierced.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

John cites a second Scripture fulfilled by the piercing: Zechariah 12:10, which prophesied that people would look upon the one they pierced.

Language and setting

Zechariah 12:10 is a messianic prophecy about mourning and repentance. Its fulfillment at the cross points forward to an ultimate fulfillment when all humanity will see the pierced Christ (Revelation 1:7).

Voice

The narrator provides additional scriptural commentary.

Significance

A second prophecy is fulfilled: the pierced side was foretold centuries earlier by Zechariah. The piercing becomes both a historical event and a prophetic sign pointing to the future recognition of the crucified Messiah.

In context

John 19:35–39

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.

36Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.”

37And, as another Scripture says: “They will look on the One they have pierced.”

38Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.

39Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.

Read all of John 19 — Every thread of the biblical story converges here. This is the moment everything has been building toward since Genesis 3.

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