The Gospel of John provides a detailed account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In John 19:34, the apostle John records a fascinating detail following the death of Jesus on the cross: “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” This mysterious flow of blood and water has prompted much discussion over the years as to its meaning and significance.
There are several possible explanations that have been offered by Bible scholars for this phenomenon:
1. Medical explanations
From a medical perspective, the blood and water could be explained by a condition known as pericardial effusion, which results from the accumulation of fluid around the membrane enveloping the heart. This effusion can occur as a result of extreme physical trauma, such as that experienced by Jesus during his flogging and crucifixion (John 19:1). The spear piercing could have released this pent-up fluid, allowing the blood and water to flow out separately.
Others have proposed that the spear pierced Jesus’ heart, allowing blood from the right ventricle and pericardial fluid to flow out. Another possibility is pleural effusion, which is a build-up of fluid between the lungs and the chest cavity. The trauma of the crucifixion could have caused this condition as well.
While these medical explanations provide biologically plausible reasons for the blood and water, they do not fully account for the theological significance that John seems to attach to this event.
2. Symbolic meanings
Most Bible commentators believe that John included this detail for theological purposes, not just as a medical observation. Here are some of the main symbolic meanings that have been proposed:
A. Evidence that Jesus died
The mention of blood and water flowing from Jesus’ pierced side indicates that he truly died physically on the cross. If he had merely fainted or gone into a coma, his heart would likely not have been pierced, and this flow of blood and water would not have occurred (John 19:33).
B. Fulfillment of Scripture
In John 19:36-37, the apostle John quotes Exodus 12:46 and Zechariah 12:10, indicating that the piercing of Jesus’ side and the flow of blood and water fulfilled specific prophecies regarding the Messiah. Scholars see correlations between the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) and Jesus as the ultimate Passover sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the piercing in Zechariah’s prophecy pointing to the crucifixion.
C. Sacramental symbolism
Many Christians have seen the blood and water as representing the sacraments of Eucharist (communion) and baptism. Blood recalls the wine of communion, while water is a common symbol for baptism. Some have proposed that the blood and water signify the birth of the church from Christ’s sacrificial death.
D. Jesus as source of life
In John’s Gospel, blood often represents life itself (John 6:53-56). The mention of blood flowing from Jesus’ side aligns with John’s theme of Jesus as the source of eternal life (John 4:14). The water may also evoke the life-giving waters described in John 4:10-14 and John 7:37-39.
E. Jesus’ divine and human natures
Some interpreters have seen the blood (representing Jesus’ divine nature) and water (his human nature) as pointing to the theological truth of Christ’s dual nature – fully God and fully man. The Gospel of John highlights both Jesus’ divine identity as the Son of God and his genuine humanity.
3. Eyewitness testimony
Since the apostle John was an eyewitness to the crucifixion (John 19:26-27, 35), the account of blood and water flowing from Jesus’ pierced side has the weight of an authentic eyewitness description behind it. John clearly wanted to record this event accurately for its theological significance.
John’s testimony lends historical credibility to this supernatural occurrence. The apostle would not have fabricated such a striking detail, especially given that he himself saw it happen firsthand.
4. Apologetic value
The account of blood and water flowing from Jesus’ side has apologetic value for defenders of Christianity. If John had been inventing details to make up the crucifixion narrative, he likely would not have recorded something so unusual as this. The account gains credibility because of its unlikelihood.
Also, the medical explanation of pericardial or pleural effusion was not known in John’s time. John’s accurate description of this condition centuries before medical science understood it provides evidentiary value regarding the reliability of John’s Gospel account.
5. Theological significance
Whether one prefers a more medical, symbolic, or apologetic interpretation, the blood and water detail holds theological importance for understanding the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross. Here are some key theological implications of this event:
A. Christ’s sacrifice brings salvation
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for sin and provided the atoning sacrifice that God required (Romans 3:25). The blood and water represent the spiritual cleansing and new life that result from Christ’s sacrifice for sins.
B. Sacraments have efficacy
If the blood and water prefigure the sacraments of communion and baptism, this lends support to the belief that God works through these physical means to dispense grace to believers.
C. Christ’s death was no accident
The piercing of Jesus’ side shows that Christ’s death was no accident, but part of God’s sovereign plan to provide atonement for sins (Acts 2:23). Even enemies carrying out crucifixion unknowingly fulfilled divine purposes.
D. Basis for faith in Christ
John’s eyewitness account provides a firm foundation for faith in Christ. The apostles appealed to their firsthand experience of Christ, including details like this, to argue for the truth of Christianity (1 John 1:1-4).
While scholars continue to study this intriguing event, Scripture reminds believers that they can have confidence in Christ due to the faithful, eyewitness testimony of the apostles to key events in Jesus’ life and death.
6. Relevance for today
The blood and water flowing from Jesus’ pierced side remains spiritually meaningful for Christians today. Here are some key applications for believers:
A. Testifies to Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf
Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, bearing the penalty we deserved (Isaiah 53:5). His shed blood is a vivid reminder of the high cost of our redemption.
B. Pictures Christ’s work in cleansing sin
Those who trust in Christ’s sacrifice are washed and sanctified by his blood (Hebrews 9:14; 13:12). The blood and water signify Jesus’ work of cleansing believers from sin.
C. Motivates evangelism and missions
For those who have not yet believed, the blood of Christ continues to flow as an invitation to receive God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can share this good news with others.
D. Prompts worship and gratitude
Meditating on Christ’s death should inspire heartfelt praise, deeper worship, and gratitude for God’s amazing grace and immeasurable love demonstrated through Jesus (1 John 4:9-10).
Though a relatively brief verse, John 19:34 provides rich insights into the theological meaning of Christ’s death. As eyewitness testimony, these details inspire awe at God’s sovereign plan to make provision for the redemption of sinners. The blood and water stand as a perpetual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf and summon us to respond in faith, worship, and obedience.
