19:34a

Instead: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Instead here connects a negative statement (19:33c) to a positive statement (19:34a). This kind of sentence emphasizes the positive statement. Languages have different ways to indicate this type of emphasis. Here are some ways to show the emphasis:

• Use the conjunction “but.” For example:

they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side (New Century Version)

• Use a conjunction other than “but.” For example:

they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear (New International Version)
-or-
they didn’t break his legs. However, one of the soldiers stabbed Jesus’ side with his spear (God’s Word)

• Do not use a conjunction. For example:

they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side (Contemporary English Version)

You should translate this emphasis in the way that is most natural in your language.

one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear: This clause indicates that one of the soldiers pushed his spear into Jesus’ side. Apparently he did that to guarantee that Jesus was actually dead. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

One of the soldiers stabbed Jesus’ side with his spear (God’s Word)
-or-
One of the soldiers…plunged his spear into Jesus’ side (Good News Translation)
-or-
One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus’ side (Contemporary English Version)

a spear: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as spear refers to a long weapon with a sharp metal point. Roman soldiers carried spears with them.

19:34b

and immediately blood and water flowed out: The fact that a witness saw blood and water pour from Jesus’ wound helps prove that Jesus had truly died. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

at once blood and water poured out (Good News Translation)
-or-
immediately blood and water flowed out (New Living Translation (2004))

water: Some scholars say that the word water refers to a colorless liquid that can come from a body after death. However, others say that it was really water. And many scholars say that the word could also have a figurative meaning. (Suggestions include the Holy Spirit and cleansing from sin.) Therefore, you should translate the word literally.

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