NT Text: John 19:37
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment
Anchor Text: Zech 12:10 — They Shall Look on Him
Significance: Present passage continues and completes Fourth Evangelist's presentation of Jesus' crucifixion as conforming to pattern laid out in Hebrew Scriptures. Roman soldiers' actions of dividing Jesus' clothes and casting lots for garment (19:23-24), Jesus' indication of thirst (19:28-30), and soldiers' not breaking Jesus' legs but piercing side with spear subsequent to crucifixion (19:34-37) all proceed in keeping with biblical prophecy. Present passage provides second of two texts said to be fulfilled by Romans' actions in 19:34, namely, Zechariah 12:10: "They will look on the one they have pierced." Text also quoted in Revelation 1:7; earlier text in Zechariah 9:9 quoted in John 12:15 with reference to Jesus' kingship. Reference in John 16:32 to Jesus' followers being "scattered" may allude to notion of shepherd being stricken and sheep being scattered in Zechariah 13:7 (quoted by Jesus in Matthew 26:31/Mark 14:27). Zechariah 12:10 reads: "And I will pour out on house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over firstborn." Results in great mourning in Jerusalem and by family of house of David (12:11-14). Zechariah 12:9-10 part of second oracle, spanning 12:1-14:21, concluding book, focusing by way of divine speech on Yahweh's action against nations.