Word and Image

I got a question

Question:

Most crucifixes show Jesus’ chest wound on his right side, which is opposite from the heart cavity. Do we know for certain where he was pierced, or is it a pious tradition that the spear entered his right side?

Answer:

John the Evangelist tells us that Jesus’ side was pierced (John 19:32–35) but does not say which side. Crucifixes are artistic renderings, not exact reproductions, so the depiction of Christ’s chest wound on the right side may be artistic symbolism. In Scripture, those on Jesus’ right are the ones to be saved (Matt. 25:32–33) and they are saved by the blood that he shed for them (Matt. 26:28).

There is much crucifixion art depicting a chest wound on the right side of the body. Ummm… the heart is on the left… But in this instance, there is no real info. But everyone has agreed the wound was on the right. Symbolic? Whatever! It was agreed and everyone does it that way. Did they want to kill him twice?

One response

  1. Interesting question, and I believe the accurate answer is that the Roman centurion doing the act wasn’t aiming for any particular place, but merely trying to ascertain whether he was still alive.

    March 30, 2023 at 3:55 am

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