Lexical Summary logché: Spear, Lance Original Word: λογχή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spear. Perhaps a primary word; a "lance" -- spear. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a lance or spear NASB Translation spear (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3057: λόγχηλόγχη, λογχης, ἡ; 1. the iron point or head of a spear: Herodotus 1, 52; Ken. an. 4, 7, 16, etc. 2. a lance, spear (shaft armed with iron): John 19:34. (the Sept.; Pindar, Tragg., and following.) Strong’s Greek 3057 names the instrument by which a Roman soldier verified the death of Jesus Christ. More than a detail of weaponry, it becomes an inspired signpost that unites history, prophecy, doctrine, and personal faith. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 27:49 – Certain early manuscripts record that one of the soldiers “took a spear and pierced His side.” The reading is debated, but its presence in a significant textual tradition shows how closely this weapon was associated with the Passion narrative from the earliest centuries. Historical and Cultural Background The Roman hasta or lance was a common infantry weapon, roughly six to seven feet long, tipped with iron. Soldiers used it not only in combat but also for ensuring that an executed criminal was truly dead. Piercing the victim’s side was quicker and less grisly than breaking legs (cf. John 19:33), and it prevented any sign of fraudulent survival. The practice fit Roman military discipline: a centurion who allowed a prisoner to escape could pay with his own life (Acts 12:19; Acts 16:27-28). Prophetic and Theological Dimensions Zechariah 12:10 foretells, “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced.” John cites this prophecy directly (John 19:37), presenting the spear-thrust as divine fulfillment rather than random cruelty. Psalm 22:16 and Isaiah 53:5 speak of piercing as part of the Servant’s suffering. The event therefore confirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah and that every detail of Scripture proves trustworthy. Blood and Water: A Witness to Completed Redemption John alone notes the immediate flow of “blood and water.” Early Christian writers saw both physiological and symbolic value: Typological Connections 1. The smitten rock in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11) released life-sustaining water only after it was struck. Paul later identifies that rock with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Pastoral and Practical Reflections • Assurance of Salvation – The public verification of Jesus’ death removes all doubt that the atonement is objective and finished. Related Scriptures for Further Study Psalm 34:20; Isaiah 53:5; Zechariah 13:1; John 7:37-39; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 10:19-22; Revelation 1:7 Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:49 N-AFSGRK: δὲ λαβὼν λόγχην ἔνυξεν αὐτοῦ INT: moreover having taken a spear pierced of him John 19:34 N-DFS Strong's Greek 3057 |
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