Strong’s 3572 conveys the act of thrusting or pricking with a sharp point. In Scripture it pictures a sudden, decisive penetration—not a superficial scratch but a blow that reaches inward to confirm death or inflict mortal harm.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 27:49 (TR and a few early manuscripts) records that “another, taking a spear, pierced His side, and water and blood came out.”

John 19:34 (all major manuscripts): “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.”

Christ’s Pierced Side and Its Theological Weight

1. Confirmation of Genuine Death
• Roman executioners were expert in ending life; a failure meant their own death. The spear-thrust establishes that Jesus truly died, silencing claims that He merely swooned (John 19:33–35).
2. Fulfilment of Prophecy
• Zechariah 12:10 foretells, “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced.” John identifies the spear as the ultimate fulfillment (John 19:36–37).
• Revelation 1:7 echoes, “Every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him.”
3. Typological Allusions
• No bone was broken (Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20), yet the Lamb was pierced, marrying Passover imagery with Isaiah 53:5.
4. Symbolism of Blood and Water
• Blood points to atonement (Hebrews 9:22).
• Water suggests cleansing and new life (Ezekiel 36:25–27; John 7:37–39; 1 John 5:6–8). Together they underscore justification and regeneration issuing from Christ’s completed work.

Historical Setting

Roman soldiers commonly carried the “λόγχη” (longchē), a thrusting spear. During crucifixion the victim often lingered for days; breaking legs hastened suffocation (John 19:31–32). Because Jesus was already dead, the soldier verified it with a spear-thrust—an action consistent with Roman protocol and merciful efficiency.

Textual Matters in Matthew 27:49

The verse containing ἔνυξεν appears in a minority of Greek witnesses (notably some early uncials). Many scribes likely imported the Johannine detail to Matthew to harmonize the accounts. The shorter reading is followed by most English translations, yet the presence of ἔνυξεν in some manuscripts reveals how immediately early copyists recognized the theological import of the piercing.

Pastoral and Practical Reflections

• Assurance of Salvation: Because the spear verified death, believers can rest in a fully accomplished redemption.
• Lord’s Supper Meditation: The elements recall the blood and the cleansing water, inviting worshipers to contemplate the costliness of grace.
• Evangelistic Appeal: The historical certainty of the piercing offers a tangible entry point for proclaiming the gospel to skeptics.

Related Old Testament Preparations

Genesis 22 prefigures substitutionary sacrifice. Numbers 21:9 anticipates a look of faith toward the One lifted up. Psalm 22:16 envisages pierced hands and feet, while Zechariah envisions a future recognition of the Pierced One. Each strand converges at Calvary where Strong’s 3572 occurs.

Conclusion

Though appearing only twice in the New Testament text, ἔνυξεν captures a decisive moment: the final proof of the Lamb’s death, the sealing of prophecy, and the fountainhead of cleansing and atonement for all who believe.