The terms "slain" and "pierced" hold significant theological and prophetic weight within the biblical narrative, often symbolizing sacrifice, judgment, and fulfillment of prophecy. These terms are frequently associated with the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, as well as with the broader themes of divine justice and redemption.

Slain

The concept of being "slain" is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "slain" is "harag," which means to kill or destroy. In the context of the sacrificial system, animals were slain as offerings to atone for the sins of the people, as seen in Leviticus 1:5: "Then he shall slaughter the bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."

In the New Testament, the term takes on a profound Christological significance. Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb who was slain" in Revelation 5:12 : "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" This imagery connects Jesus' sacrificial death to the Passover lamb, emphasizing His role as the ultimate atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Pierced

The term "pierced" is often associated with prophetic fulfillment and the suffering of the Messiah. The Hebrew word "daqar" means to pierce or thrust through, and it appears in key prophetic passages. Zechariah 12:10 prophesies, "Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people 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 prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the crucifixion of Jesus. John 19:34 records, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This act of piercing not only fulfills the prophecy but also symbolizes the outpouring of grace and the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice.

Theological Significance

The imagery of being slain and pierced is central to understanding the redemptive work of Christ. His death is portrayed as both a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate sacrifice that brings reconciliation between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Romans 5:8 : "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Furthermore, the piercing of Christ is seen as a pivotal moment that reveals the depth of human sin and the extent of divine love. It serves as a call to repentance and faith, inviting believers to look upon the One who was pierced and find salvation in His sacrifice.

In summary, the terms "slain" and "pierced" encapsulate the heart of the Gospel message, pointing to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as the means by which humanity is redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God.