The term "pierceth" is an archaic English form of the verb "pierce," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. It is used to describe the act of penetrating or making a hole through something, often with a sharp object. In the context of the Bible, "pierceth" is used both literally and metaphorically to convey deep spiritual truths and human experiences.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 12:18 : "Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." In this verse, "pierceth" is implied in the action of the "piercing sword," illustrating the destructive power of reckless words. The metaphor contrasts the harm caused by thoughtless speech with the healing brought by wise and considerate words. This highlights the importance of self-control and wisdom in communication.

2. Zechariah 12:10 : "Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son." This prophetic passage is often interpreted as a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where "pierceth" signifies the physical act of piercing His side. It also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, pointing to the recognition and repentance of the people of Israel when they realize their role in the Messiah's suffering.

3. John 19:34 : "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This New Testament account describes the fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah, where Jesus' side is pierced during the crucifixion. The act of piercing here is both literal and symbolic, representing the sacrificial death of Christ and the outpouring of grace and redemption for humanity.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "pierceth" in the Bible often carries a dual significance, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. Physically, it refers to acts of violence or penetration, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus. Spiritually, it symbolizes the deep impact of words, actions, and divine truths on the human heart and soul.

In the context of Christian theology, the piercing of Jesus is central to the understanding of His atoning sacrifice. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies and underscores the gravity of sin and the profound love of God in providing redemption through His Son. The imagery of piercing also serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the transformative power of repentance and faith.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of "pierceth" serves as a call to mindfulness in speech and action. It encourages Christians to consider the impact of their words and to strive for wisdom and healing in their interactions with others. Additionally, it invites reflection on the sacrificial love of Christ and the call to live in a manner worthy of His sacrifice, embracing grace and extending it to others.

How and Why that Short Prayer Pierceth Heaven
... HERE BEGINNETH THE EIGHT AND THIRTIETH CHAPTER How and why that short prayer
pierceth heaven. How and why that short prayer pierceth heaven. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eight and 2.htm

Of the Special Prayers of them that be Continual Workers in the ...
... And right as this little word "fire" stirreth rather and pierceth more hastily the
ears of the hearers, so doth a little word of one syllable when it is not ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the seven and 2.htm

Hebrews iii. 11-Jul
... only, he adds also the punishment, saying ( c. iv.12 ), "For the Word of God is
quick, and powerful; and sharper than any two-edged sword, and pierceth even to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vi hebrews iii 11-jul.htm

Kept from Iniquity
... matters what they say; yet, to a sensitive spirit, like that of David, the tongue
is a very sharp instrument, it cutteth like a razor, and pierceth even to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/kept from iniquity.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd ...
... the false name of martyrdom. Hear how he toucheth, yea rather pierceth
them through and through. "If I should distribute," saith ...
/.../sermon lxxxviii on the words.htm

Third Sunday after Epiphany. For as the Rain Cometh Down
... A wedge that cleaveth stone; Keen as a fire so burns Thy Word,. And pierceth
flesh and bone. Oh send it forth. O'er all the earth,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/third sunday after epiphany for.htm

Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... that the punishment is the same, hear what he adds; "For the Word of God is quick
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and pierceth even to the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vii hebrews iv 13-nov.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin: but the ...
... But, in its first appointment, and as it prevails generally over men, aculeata(201)
est mors, it hath a sting that pierceth deeper, and woundeth sorer than to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and if christ.htm

The Lattice at Sunrise
... To say we see not, for the glory tomes. Nightly and daily, like the flowing sea;
His lustre pierceth through the midnight glooms; And, at prime hour, behold! ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccccxiii the lattice at sunrise.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... and a sword, and a sharp arrow;" that is, he is a complicated instrument of all
mischiefs; he smiteth and bruiseth like a maul, he cutteth and pierceth like a ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Pierceth (5 Occurrences)
...Pierceth (5 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Job 30:17 The night pierceth through my bones and
detacheth them from me, and my gnawing pains take no rest: (DBY). ...
/p/pierceth.htm - 7k

Pierces (8 Occurrences)

/p/pierces.htm - 8k

Piercing (7 Occurrences)

/p/piercing.htm - 8k

Gnawing (4 Occurrences)
... Job 30:17 The night pierceth through my bones and detacheth them from me,
and my gnawing pains take no rest: (DBY NAS NIV). Joel ...
/g/gnawing.htm - 7k

Restrained (51 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:8 and goeth in after the man of Israel unto the hollow place, and pierceth
them both, the man of Israel and the woman -- unto her belly, and the ...
/r/restrained.htm - 22k

Detacheth (1 Occurrence)
... Detacheth (1 Occurrence). Job 30:17 The night pierceth through my bones and detacheth
them from me, and my gnawing pains take no rest: (DBY). ...
/d/detacheth.htm - 6k

Pierced (63 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:8 and goeth in after the man of Israel unto the hollow place, and pierceth
them both, the man of Israel and the woman -- unto her belly, and the ...
/p/pierced.htm - 26k

Snares (24 Occurrences)
... a people; (YLT NAS NIV). Job 40:24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth
through snares. (KJV WBS YLT). Psalms 11:6 Upon the ...
/s/snares.htm - 12k

Hollow (35 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:8 and goeth in after the man of Israel unto the hollow place, and pierceth
them both, the man of Israel and the woman -- unto her belly, and the ...
/h/hollow.htm - 20k

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