Jesus’s Side Pierced

31 Since it was the preparation day,(A) the Jews did not want the bodies(B) to remain on the cross(C) on the Sabbath(D) (for that Sabbath was a special[a] day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away.(E) 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. 33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead.(F) 34 But one of the soldiers pierced(G) his side(H) with a spear, and at once blood and water(I) came out. 35 He who saw this has testified(J) so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.(K) 36 For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:(L) Not one of his bones will be broken.[b](M) 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.[c](N)

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Footnotes

  1. 19:31 Lit great
  2. 19:36 Ex 12:46; Nm 9:12; Ps 34:20
  3. 19:37 Zch 12:10

Witness at the cross

31 It was the Preparation Day and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath, especially since that Sabbath was an important day. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of those crucified broken and the bodies taken down. 32 Therefore, the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men who were crucified with Jesus. 33 When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so they didn’t break his legs. 34 However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 The one who saw this has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he speaks the truth, and he has testified so that you also can believe. 36 These things happened to fulfill the scripture, They won’t break any of his bones.[a] 37 And another scripture says, They will look at him whom they have pierced.[b]

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