λόγχη (logchē)
logchē
spear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun logchē refers to a spear, specifically highlighting the iron head or point that made the weapon lethal. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the context of Jesus’ crucifixion. The term distinguishes the sharp, metallic tip from the wooden shaft, emphasizing the instrument used for piercing.
Its first occurrence is in Matthew 27:49, where a bystander offers a sponge on a reed and says he will see if Elijah comes to take Jesus down. Although some manuscripts use a different word here, the reference points to this moment of waiting before death. The second and more significant use is in John 19:34, where a soldier pierces Jesus’ side with a logchē after verifying He was already dead. This specific detail confirms the physical reality of His death, countering any suggestion that He merely swooned or survived.
The word’s presence in these accounts serves as a historical marker. By naming the spearhead, the text underscores the finality of the event. It is not just any weapon, but the pointed end that ensures no doubt remains about the outcome of the crucifixion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word logchē refers to the iron tip of a spear, highlighting the sharp point that made the weapon lethal. In the New Testament, this specific term appears only twice, both centered on the moment of Jesus’ death. By using this precise word for the spearhead, the Gospel writers draw our attention to the physical reality of what happened on the cross.
In John 19:34, a soldier uses this spear to pierce Jesus’ side, confirming that He had truly died. This detail is not just historical record; it shows that Jesus’ sacrifice was complete and real. The blood and water that flowed out serve as a witness to the fullness of His humanity and the seriousness of His mission.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God entered fully into human suffering. He did not merely appear to die; He truly experienced death so that we might have life. This concrete detail invites you to rest in the certainty of Christ’s finished work, knowing that His love was proven through real, tangible sacrifice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with a spear1×
- a spear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λόγχῃ1×
- λόγχην1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:34
However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.
This verse uses logchē to describe the soldier piercing Jesus' side, confirming His physical death and providing the witness of blood and water.
-
Matthew 27:49
The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
Though some manuscripts vary here, this occurrence points to the moment before death when bystanders waited to see if Elijah would intervene, contrasting human waiting with divine completion.