# pierce, pierces, pierced, piercing, holes ## Definition: The term "pierce" means to stab something or to make a hole with a sharp, pointed object. It is also used figuratively to refer to causing someone deep emotional pain. * A soldier pierced Jesus's 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](rc://en/tn/help/job/16/13) * [Job 20:23-25](rc://en/tn/help/job/20/23) * [John 19:37](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/19/37) * [Psalms 022:16](rc://en/tn/help/psa/022/16) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H1856, H2342, H2490, H2491, H2944, H3738, H5181, H5344, H5365, H6398, G1330, G1338, G1574, G2660, G3572, G4044