# pierce, pierces, pierced, piercing # ## Definition: ## The term "pierce" means to stab something with a sharp, pointed object. It is also used figuratively to refer to causing someone deep emotional pain. * A soldier pierced Jesus' side when he was hanging on the cross. * In Bible times, a slave who was set free would have his ear pierced as a sign that he was choosing to continue working for his master. * Simeon spoke figuratively when he told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart, meaning that she would experience deep grief because of what would happen to her son Jesus. (See also: [cross](../kt/cross.md), [Jesus](../kt/jesus.md), [servant](../other/servant.md), [Simeon](../names/simeon.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [Job 16:13-14](rc://en/tn/help/job/16/13) * [Job 20:23-25](rc://en/tn/help/job/20/23) * [John 19:36-37](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/19/36) * [Psalms 022:16-17](rc://en/tn/help/psa/022/016) ## Word Data:## * Strong's: H935, H1856, H2342, H2490, H2491, H2944, H3738, H4272, H5181, H5344, H5365, H6398, G1330, G1338, G1574, G2660, G3572, G4044, G4138