ἐκκεντέω (ekkenteō)
ekkenteō
to pierce
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekkenteō means to pierce through or transfix a person. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in passages describing the crucifixion and its aftermath. The word carries a sense of violent penetration, emphasizing the physical reality of the wound inflicted on the body.
Its etymology combines ek ("out") with kenteō ("to prick or sting"), suggesting a piercing that goes deep or drives through. This distinguishes it from lighter terms for touching or striking; it implies a forceful act that leaves a lasting mark. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for similar actions, grounding its meaning in a tradition of physical injury.
Significantly, both occurrences link this piercing to prophetic fulfillment. In John 19:37, the text references Zechariah 12:10 regarding looking on "him whom they pierced," while Revelation 1:7 echoes this image in a visionary context. The word thus connects Jesus’ historical death with his eternal identity, marking him as the one who bears the scars of sacrifice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekkenteō describes a piercing that goes deep, leaving a permanent mark on the body. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both linked to the crucifixion of Jesus. This is not a superficial wound but a violent penetration that fulfills ancient prophecy. The physical reality of this act grounds our faith in history, not just myth.
John 19:37 records this event as the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10, where people are called to look on "him whom they pierced." This connection shows that Jesus’ suffering was foretold and intentional. It reminds us that God’s plan for salvation involved real human pain and divine purpose working together.
Revelation 1:7 echoes this image in a visionary context, showing that the scars of sacrifice remain part of Jesus’ eternal identity. These wounds are not hidden but displayed as proof of his love and victory. For believers, this offers hope that our suffering is seen and understood by God, who shares in our pain through Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they have pierced.1×
- pierced;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεκέντησαν·1×
- ἐξεκέντησαν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:37
Again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they pierced.”
This verse explicitly links the piercing to Zechariah 12:10, showing how Jesus' death fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about being looked upon by those who caused his wound.
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Revelation of John 1:7
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.
This visionary passage confirms that the pierced one is central to Christ's return, ensuring that his sacrificial identity remains visible and significant for all eternity.