Brief Overview of πλευρά (Strong’s G4125: pleura)

Strong’s G4125: A noun meaning “side” or “rib,” particularly referring to the side of the body. In ancient Greek medical texts, it designated anatomical locations. In New Testament usage, it appears most significantly in describing the piercing of Jesus’s side, carrying profound theological significance.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλευρά carries deep anatomical and theological significance in Scripture. While its primary meaning refers to the side of the body or rib area, it gains profound meaning in John’s Gospel where it describes the piercing of Jesus’s side, from which flowed blood and water. Early church fathers saw rich symbolism in this, connecting it to both the creation of Eve from Adam’s side and the birth of the Church through Christ’s sacrifice. They also saw the water and blood as symbols of baptism and eucharist. Today, this word continues to remind us of the physical reality of Christ’s death and the life-giving nature of His sacrifice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλευρά, pleura, /PLEV-rah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLEV-rah (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλευρ- (pleur-) ancient root meaning “side”
• Suffix: -ά (-a) feminine noun ending
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *plew- meaning “to flow”

D – Defining Meanings

• Side (of body)
• Rib area
• Lateral region

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as root for many anatomical terms

Translation Options:

• Side – Most common biblical usage, especially regarding Christ’s wound
• Rib – Appropriate in anatomical contexts
• Flank – More specific to lateral body region

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μέρος (meros) /MEH-ros/ – part or side in general
  See G3313
• πλάγιος (plagios) /PLAH-gee-os/ – sideways or oblique
  See G4105

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:
Nominative: πλευρά
Genitive: πλευρᾶς
Dative: πλευρᾷ
Accusative: πλευράν

• Cross-references to related anatomical terms

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its anatomical precision. Thayer’s notes its use in medical contexts. LSJ documents extensive usage in medical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in Christ’s passion. Strong’s connects it to both medical and theological contexts. LEH provides Septuagint usage including creation narrative. Moulton and Milligan cite medical papyri examples.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.” John 19:34

Additional References:
John 20:20, John 20:25, John 20:27, Acts 12:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλευρά reminds us of the physical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. The pierced side of Jesus becomes a source of life, just as Eve came from Adam’s side. This anatomical term carries profound theological significance, showing how God uses the physical to accomplish the spiritual, and how Christ’s wounds become our healing.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term influenced modern medical terminology, particularly “pleural” cavity.
2. Early Christian art often depicted the wound in Christ’s side with special emphasis.
3. Medieval mystics developed extensive devotional practices focused on Christ’s pierced side.

Strong’s G4125: A noun referring to the side or rib area of the body. In New Testament usage, it gains profound theological significance through its use in describing Christ’s pierced side, becoming a symbol of both His real death and life-giving sacrifice.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: anatomy, crucifixion, Christ’s wounds, John’s Gospel, passion narrative, resurrection appearances, medical terms, biblical Greek, blood and water, church sacraments, Thomas’s doubt, physical proof​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​