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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words enhances our interpretation of the Scriptures. The Greek verb νύσσω (nyssō) is particularly significant in its role in one of the most profound moments in the New Testament—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Found in John 19:34, where a Roman soldier pierces Jesus’ side with a spear, νύσσω offers a vivid depiction of this event. Exploring the depth of this word not only sheds light on its literal meaning but also on the symbolic and theological weight it carries within the narrative of the New Testament. Understanding νύσσω also helps connect us to its broader usage in ancient Greek culture, where acts of piercing often held various connotations, including injury, penetration, and sacrifice.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νύσσω (transliterated: nyssō), pronounced noos-so.

Etymology: The word νύσσω is likely derived from an ancient root associated with striking or stabbing, emphasizing the physical action of puncturing or piercing with a sharp instrument. This root is consistent with its usage in both biblical and classical Greek.

Part of Speech: νύσσω is a verb. It specifically refers to the action of piercing or stabbing and is conjugated according to the tense, voice, mood, and person in a sentence.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Pierce or Stab: The primary and literal meaning of νύσσω is “to pierce” or “to stab,” as seen in John 19:34 when the Roman soldier pierces Jesus’ side. This piercing with a spear brings forth blood and water, symbolizing the completion of His earthly suffering and the fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Penetrate: In a broader context, νύσσω can imply penetration, not just in a physical sense but also metaphorically, as in penetrating an idea or thought, although this usage is rare in biblical contexts.

Exploring Similar Words

1. τρυπάω (trypaō) [pronunciation: troo-pah-oh]: This word also means “to pierce” or “to perforate,” but it typically refers to drilling or boring a hole, emphasizing a different kind of action compared to the stabbing motion of νύσσω.

2. κατακεντέω (katakenteō) [pronunciation: kah-tah-ken-teh-oh]: Another term for piercing, often used to describe a deliberate and forceful action, such as the spear thrust in John 19:34. Κατακεντέω emphasizes the intensity of the piercing action.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, νύσσω is subject to variations depending on its tense, voice, and mood:

• Tense: The verb is often found in the aorist tense, indicating a simple, completed action—such as the piercing of Jesus’ side in John 19:34.

• Voice: The verb is typically used in the active voice, meaning the subject performs the action (e.g., “the soldier pierced”).

• Mood: νύσσω can appear in the indicative mood to state facts, as it does in John 19:34.

• Person and Number: In the context of the New Testament, it is conjugated in the third person singular (referring to the soldier who pierced Jesus).

For further study, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

νύσσω carries a clear and direct meaning across various Greek lexicons, consistently describing the act of piercing with a sharp object. Thayer’s and BDAG both highlight its use in the context of John 19:34, emphasizing the verb’s role in the narrative of Christ’s crucifixion. Classical Greek texts and the Septuagint use the word to describe similar physical actions, though the theological weight of its usage in the New Testament stands out. The blood and water that flowed from Christ’s side, resulting from this piercing, have significant symbolic and doctrinal implications, linked to ideas of purification, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 19:34: “But one of the soldiers pierced (νύσσω) His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

2. Zechariah 12:10 (LXX): “They will look on Me whom they have pierced (νύσσω)…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The spear pierced (νύσσω) his shield, driving deep into his side.”

Herodotus Histories “He was pierced (νύσσω) by an arrow in battle.”

Septuagint Zechariah 12:10 “They shall look on him whom they pierced (νύσσω).”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word νύσσω holds a crucial place in the New Testament, capturing the vivid and symbolic moment when Jesus’ side is pierced during His crucifixion. The use of νύσσω in John 19:34 is not only a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy but also holds deep theological meaning, signifying the final moments of Christ’s earthly suffering and the significance of His sacrificial death. Understanding the full depth of this word enhances the reading of the Passion narrative and underscores the precision of the Gospel accounts.

Did You Know?

1. The act of piercing Jesus’ side is seen as the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10, a key messianic prophecy.

2. In ancient Greek literature, νύσσω was often used to describe the piercing of armor or flesh in battle scenes.

3. The blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side after the piercing have been interpreted by many theologians as symbols of the sacraments of the Eucharist and baptism.