"And the Word Was Made Flesh" : A Latter-day Saint Exegesis of the Blood and Water Imagery in the Gospel of John
Studies in the Bible and Antiquity
1
Provo, UT
Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship; Brigham Young University
2009
45-65
Both blood and water provide powerful images in the first half of the Gospel of John. Although instances of blood and water in John can be taken separately, a comprehensive, exegetical approach to the gospel suggests a consistent, overarching imagery with water turning to wine... Critical to understanding this symbolism is the sign of blood and water streaming from Jesus's side as he hangs from the cross in John 19:34-35, where it becomes apparent that the sign represents symbols of Jesus's dual nature: his ability as a mortal to lay down his life as an offering for sin, but his continuing divine ability to work "the infinite and eternal atonement" and become the source of eternal life for those who accept him. This symbolism resonates with Latter-day Saint understanding of the nature and role of Jesus Christ. [From the text]