"pr. a rib; the side of the body, Jn. 19:34; 20:20, 25, 27; Acts 12:7*"
Definition and meaning
pr. a rib; the side of the body, Jn. 19:34; 20:20, 25, 27; Acts 12:7*
In the original Greek the word is written: πλευρά
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of pleura (G4125) across the King James Bible.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
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Common questions
Strong's G4125 (pleura) is a Greek word that means: pr. a rib; the side of the body, Jn. 19:34; 20:20, 25, 27; Acts 12:7* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word pleura (G4125) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4125 is pleura, a Greek word defined as: pr. a rib; the side of the body, Jn. 19:34; 20:20, 25, 27; Acts 12:7*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
pleura is a Greek word found in the New Testament.