Bible Strands
John 19:37
And, as another Scripture says: “They will look on the One they have pierced.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of John records this statement immediately after the crucified Jesus dies and his legs are not broken. It functions as a narrative bridge between the completion of the execution and Joseph of Arimathea’s request to remove the body.
The words — γραφή (graphē) means Scripture, and ὄψονται (opsontai) means they will behold or look on. These terms anchor the event in written prophecy and emphasize future visual confirmation.
The thread — The passage echoes Zechariah 12:10, where the people will look on the one they pierced, and anticipates Revelation 1:7, which expands the vision to include every eye seeing him who pierced him.
Why it lands — The text states that a specific prophetic look will occur, requiring the reader to recognize the crucifixion as a fulfilled written account rather than a historical accident. It demands acknowledgment that the event was foretold and will be publicly witnessed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
Cross-references
- Zechariah 12:10 Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
- Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
- Psalms 22:16 For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.